by Sione from Nuku’alofa asks Santa how to spell his name, learns about Tonga’s archipelago geography, and hears that Tonga is the only Pacific island nation never colonized
Dear Santa, my name is Sione and I am nine years old. I live in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, where my tamai says our kingdom is the only island nation in the whole Pacific that was never actually colonized by another country.
Dear Sione, your tamai is entirely right, and I have real respect for that particular independence myself.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, how do you spell Santa Claus? My little brother keeps writing it differently every single time, and I wanted the correct answer.
It is spelled S-A-N-T-A space C-L-A-U-S, Sione, though I will admit I have received letters with nearly every possible variation over the centuries, and every single one still reached me just fine.
My second question is about our islands. My teacher says Tonga is made up of many scattered islands. Is that true?
It is, Sione. Tonga consists of over 170 islands spread across the South Pacific, though only a portion are inhabited. Island-hopping across that much open water by sleigh takes real dedication, though the scenery makes it worthwhile.
My third question is about never being colonized. My teacher says Tonga has always governed itself, unlike many neighboring islands. Is that true?
It is true, Sione. Tonga has maintained its own monarchy and self-governance throughout its history, the only Pacific island nation to never come under foreign colonial rule. I think that kind of steady, proud independence deserves real admiration.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Sione Taufa
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
P.S. Do you visit the king’s palace too?
With real respect, Sione, every year I pass through.
