by Kofi from Lomé asks Santa about wearing Christmas pajamas, learns about Togo’s small coastal geography, and hears about Togo’s blend of traditional and Christian Christmas customs
Dear Santa, my name is Kofi and I am nine years old. I live in Lomé, Togo, where my grand-mère says our whole country is so narrow that you could cross from one border to the other in less time than a long car ride.
Dear Kofi, your grand-mère is entirely right, and Togo remains one of the more compact, thorough stops on my whole West African route.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, can I wear Christmas jammies? It gets quite warm here in December, and I want a lighter set instead of the thick, fluffy ones I see online.
Absolutely you can, Kofi, in whatever light, breathable fabric suits your own warm Christmas evening. Comfort in your actual climate always matters more than matching a snowy picture from somewhere else.
My second question is about our country. My teacher says Togo is one of the narrowest countries in all of Africa. Is that true?
It is, Kofi. Togo stretches long and narrow along the West African coast, giving it a distinctive shape on the map. Flying the length of your country each Christmas Eve takes surprisingly little time, given how narrow it truly is.
My third question is, why does my family blend traditional customs with Christian Christmas celebrations, since I know some of my ancestors followed very different beliefs?
Togo’s Christmas traditions often reflect a thoughtful blending of Christian customs with the country’s own rich traditional heritage, honoring both influences together rather than choosing only one. I think that kind of respectful blending, carrying your full history forward, makes for a truly meaningful kind of Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Kofi Adjovi
Lomé, Togo
P.S. Do you pack lighter jammies for warm countries like ours?
Always, Kofi. I learned that lesson many warm Christmases ago.
