by Teina from Rarotonga asks Santa about a Christmas song, learns about the Cook Islands’ Pacific atolls, and hears about the island’s strong church choir singing tradition
Dear Santa, my name is Teina and I am nine years old. I live in Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands, where my papa says our whole church sings so powerfully on Sunday that you can hear it from the beach nearby.
Dear Teina, I have heard that exact singing myself while flying over, and your papa’s description is entirely accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you know the lyrics to Christmas Hallelujah? My auntie sings it every Sunday in December and I always get goosebumps.
I know that song well, Teina, though I try not to reproduce the exact words myself, out of respect for the songwriters. What I can say is your goosebumps make complete sense, since powerful, heartfelt singing has that effect on nearly everyone.
My second question is about our islands. My teacher says the Cook Islands are made up of many small, scattered islands and atolls. Is that true?
It is, Teina. The Cook Islands consist of fifteen small islands spread across a vast stretch of the Pacific Ocean, most of them quite far apart from each other. Island-hopping across that much open water by sleigh takes real dedication, though the scenery makes it worthwhile.
My third question is, why does singing matter so much during Christmas here, more than almost anything else we do?
Choir singing holds deep cultural and spiritual importance across the Cook Islands, Teina, community voices joining together powerfully, especially during Christmas services. I think there is something remarkable about an entire congregation choosing to raise their voices as one, which captures the togetherness of the whole season beautifully.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Teina Tuara
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
P.S. Do you hear the singing all the way from the sleigh?
Every year, Teina. It is one of my favorite sounds on the entire route.
