by A hopeful girl in Mumbai asks Santa if he is real, what a monsoon is, and the meaning of festivals
A Letter to Santa from Mumbai, India
Dear Santa,
Namaste Santa! My name is Priya and I am 7 years old. I live in Mumbai and I love dancing and mango ice cream. Some children at my school say something that makes me sad, so I have to ask you straight: is Santa Claus real or fake? My geography question is: what is a monsoon? And my social studies question is: what is a festival and why do we celebrate? I really hope you write back, Santa.
Love, Priya (age 7)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, namaste my dear Priya! I am so glad you asked me directly, because this is the most important answer I will ever give. I am as real as kindness itself. Now, you cannot hold kindness in your hand or put love in your pocket, but you know they are real, because you can feel them warm inside you. Every single time someone gives a gift without wanting anything back, every time a person is generous just to make another person happy, that is me at work in the world. So do not let anyone make you sad. Yes, Priya, I am very, very real, and so is the spirit of giving that lives inside you.
Your geography question: the monsoon
A monsoon is a season of strong winds that bring heavy rain. In your India, the summer monsoon pours down rain that farmers wait for all year, because it helps their crops grow and fills the rivers. It can be loud and splashy, but it is one of the most important seasons in the whole country. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: what is a festival
A festival is a joyful celebration shared by a whole community. India has some of the most beautiful festivals in the world, like Diwali, the festival of lights, when families light little lamps and share sweets. We celebrate festivals to come together, to remember happy stories, and to share food, music, and laughter with the people we love. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Keep dancing, Priya, and save me a scoop of that mango ice cream. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
