by Chanda from Lusaka asks Santa about Christmas dinner, learns about Victoria Falls, and hears about Zambia’s tradition of sharing food with neighbors
Dear Santa, my name is Chanda and I am nine years old. I live in Lusaka, Zambia, where my bamayo says our Christmas Day always smells like nshima and chicken from every single house on our street.
Dear Chanda, I have smelled that exact combination myself while flying over your neighborhood, and it always makes me a little hungrier than I would like to admit.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you eat Christmas dinner? My mama always leaves out a plate for you, but I want to know if you actually get hungry after such a busy night.
I do, Chanda, and by the end of the night I am usually quite ready for it. Your mama’s plate is always deeply appreciated, more than she probably realizes.
My second question is about our waterfall. My teacher says it is one of the largest waterfalls in the entire world. Is Victoria Falls really that big?
It is, Chanda. Victoria Falls, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, is one of the largest waterfalls on Earth, with a thunderous roar and mist that can be seen from far away. Flying near it on Christmas Eve, moonlight catching the spray, is an unforgettable sight.
My third question is, why does my family always make sure to share extra food with neighbors on Christmas Day, even if we do not have very much ourselves?
That generosity is one of the most beautiful parts of Zambian Christmas tradition, Chanda, families making certain that neighbors, however much or little anyone has, are included and cared for during the celebration. I think that spirit, sharing what you have simply because someone nearby needs it, is really the heart of the whole holiday, wherever it is practiced.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Chanda Mwansa
Lusaka, Zambia
P.S. Do you like nshima?
Very much, Chanda. I have gotten quite good at eating it properly, with practice.
