by Niamh, age 8 from Belfast, Northern Ireland, asks Santa if he’s coming to town, the Titanic’s shipyard history, and blended Irish-British traditions.
Dear Santa, my name is Niamh, and I am eight years old. I live in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where my granda says a very famous ship was actually built right here in our own shipyards, a long time ago.
Dear Niamh, a shipyard with that much history deserves a very proud, very careful flyover, your granda picked a truly remarkable hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is Santa Claus coming to town? My little brother asks every single night this time of year.
I am, Niamh, every single Christmas Eve without fail, snow, rain, or anything in between. Tell your little brother his patience is almost at an end, the wait is nearly over.
My granda says the Titanic was actually built right here in Belfast. Is that true?
It is true, Niamh, the Titanic was built in Belfast’s shipyards, a remarkable feat of engineering for its time. I always take a slow, respectful pass over that historic waterfront on my way to visit you.
My granda says Christmas here blends both British and Irish traditions together. Is that true?
It is true, Niamh, Northern Ireland’s Christmas customs draw from both British and Irish traditions, creating a holiday season that feels wonderfully, distinctly its own. That blending of two rich traditions into something uniquely yours is really a beautiful thing to witness.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Niamh Doherty
Belfast, Northern Ireland
P.S. Can you tell my little brother exactly what time you will arrive?
Only that it will be very late and very quiet, Niamh, the exact hour stays a closely guarded secret.
