by Nafisa, age 8 from Khartoum, Sudan, asks Santa about coloring books, the meeting of the Blue and White Nile, and Sudan’s Christian community.
Dear Santa, my name is Nafisa, and I am eight years old. I live in Khartoum, Sudan, where my mama says two famous rivers actually meet right in the middle of our city, turning into one giant river afterward.
Dear Nafisa, watching two rivers become one is a sight I always slow down for, your mama picked a truly striking hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a Santa coloring book? My little sister wants one for her Christmas Eve activity this year.
There certainly are, Nafisa, plenty of coloring books and printable pages exist for a quiet Christmas Eve activity. A little coloring time is a lovely way to help the wait feel shorter.
My teacher says Khartoum sits right where the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers meet. Is that true?
It is true, Nafisa, the Blue Nile and White Nile join together right at your city before continuing on as one great Nile River. I always follow that meeting point to find my way to your rooftop.
My mama says Sudan has both Muslim and Christian communities, and our small Christian neighbors celebrate Christmas quietly each year. Is that true?
It is true, Nafisa, Sudan is mostly Muslim, with a smaller Christian community keeping Christmas traditions alive. Wherever I find even one family celebrating, I am always glad to bring a little extra warmth to their night.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Nafisa Osman
Khartoum, Sudan
P.S. Can the coloring book have pictures of the two rivers meeting?
I will ask the elves to design just that, Nafisa, it sounds like the perfect page.
