by Poppy from Christmas Island asks Santa about the famous red crab migration, learns about her island’s location, and hears about its many cultures living together
Dear Santa, my name is Poppy and I am nine years old. I live right on Christmas Island, which my dad says is the only place in the world with our exact name that is also an actual island.
Dear Poppy, that is genuinely one of my favorite geographic coincidences on the whole map, and I always give your island an extra festive wave as I pass.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you know about our famous red crabs? Every year millions of them march across our roads all at once and school gets cancelled because of it.
I know all about them, Poppy, and I think it might be the single most impressive traffic event on my entire route. Millions of red crabs migrating to the sea to breed is a genuine wonder of nature, and I would cancel a delivery too if I saw that many crabs crossing my path.
My second question is about where we actually are. My teacher says we are closer to Indonesia than to mainland Australia, even though we are an Australian territory. Is that true?
It is true, Poppy. Christmas Island sits in the Indian Ocean, much closer to Indonesia than to the Australian mainland, which makes it one of the more remote and interesting stops on my whole journey. I always enjoy the surprise of it.
My third question is about our island. My mum says people from lots of different backgrounds, like Chinese, Malay, and European families, all live together here happily. Is that special?
It is very special, Poppy, and it says something wonderful about your island. Christmas Island’s community reflects a genuine blend of Chinese, Malay, and European heritage, with different festivals and traditions celebrated side by side throughout the year. A small island that makes room for everyone is exactly the kind of place Christmas belongs.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Poppy Reeves
Christmas Island, Australia
P.S. Do the reindeer get nervous flying over that many crabs?
Terrified, Poppy. Vixen refuses to look down during that stretch entirely.
