by Ani, age 8 from Yerevan, Armenia, asks Santa about birthday party visits, Mount Ararat, and Armenia’s Christian history.
Dear Santa, my name is Ani, and I am eight years old. I live in Yerevan, Armenia, where my tatik says our city is one of the oldest continuously lived-in cities in the entire world.
Dear Ani, a city with roots that ancient deserves a very respectful flyover, your tatik picked a truly historic hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a birthday Santa? My friend wants you to visit her party in the summer, not just in December.
There are helpers who dress up as me for birthday parties throughout the year, Ani, spreading a bit of extra cheer even outside of December. My own busiest night stays reserved for Christmas Eve, but the spirit can visit anytime.
My tatik says Yerevan sits close to a very famous mountain called Ararat. Is that true?
It is true, Ani, Mount Ararat rises dramatically on the horizon near your city, a truly breathtaking sight. I always enjoy that majestic peak flying in to visit you.
My tatik says Armenia was the very first country to officially adopt Christianity. Is that true?
It is true, Ani, Armenia holds the honor of being the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion, over seventeen hundred years ago. That kind of deep, ancient tradition is really something worth being proud of.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Ani Sargsyan
Yerevan, Armenia
P.S. Will you visit my friend’s summer party if you get the chance?
I will send a helper in my stead, Ani, my own schedule stays rather fixed.
