by Sita from Kathmandu asks Santa about Christmas designers, learns about Mount Everest, and hears how Nepal’s small Christian community celebrates Christmas warmly
Dear Santa, my name is Sita and I am nine years old. I live in Kathmandu, Nepal, where my hajurama says our temples and our mountains both seem to reach up toward the sky, just in slightly different ways.
Dear Sita, I have admired both of those things myself on every visit, and your hajurama’s comparison is a lovely one.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you know Christmas designers, like people who design decorations and ornaments? My aunt studies fashion and wants to design festive clothing someday.
I know quite a few talented designers over at the workshop, Sita, and your aunt’s ambition sounds wonderful. Thoughtfully designed festive clothing brings real joy, wherever in the world it is worn.
My second question is about our mountains. My teacher says the tallest mountain in the entire world is right here in Nepal. Is that true?
It is, Sita. Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, rises dramatically along Nepal’s border, and flying near its towering, icy summit each Christmas Eve takes real skill and courage from the reindeer, even for experienced flyers.
My third question is, why does my small Christian family celebrate Christmas so meaningfully here, since Nepal is mostly Hindu and Buddhist, like most of my friends’ families?
Nepal is home to a small but genuine Christian community, Sita, and Christmas is celebrated there with real warmth and sincerity, even though most of the country follows other beautiful traditions. I have always admired how many different, meaningful beliefs can exist together respectfully within one country.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Sita Gurung
Kathmandu, Nepal
P.S. Have you ever flown near the top of Everest?
Very carefully, Sita, and always with enormous respect for it.
