by Persephone from Nassau asks Santa about Christmas lights, learns about the Bahamas’ hundreds of islands, and hears about the vibrant Junkanoo festival
Dear Santa, my name is Persephone and I am nine years old. I live in Nassau, in the Bahamas, where my granny says our water changes between five different shades of blue depending on exactly where you look.
Dear Persephone, I have counted those exact shades from the sleigh myself, and your granny’s observation is entirely accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you like Christmas lights, and other decorations too? My family strings lights along our whole porch every December, right along the water.
I love them, Persephone, especially reflecting off the water the way yours do. Lights along a porch by the sea create a particularly lovely kind of glow that I always look forward to seeing.
My second question is about our country. My teacher says the Bahamas is made up of hundreds of islands, not just the one most tourists visit. Is that true?
It is, Persephone. The Bahamas consists of hundreds of islands and cays scattered across turquoise water, though only a portion are inhabited. Island-hopping across all of them by sleigh takes real skill, though the scenery makes it one of my favorite Caribbean stretches.
My third question is about Junkanoo. Our biggest parade of the whole year happens right after Christmas, with drums, costumes, and dancing through the streets all night. Why does it happen after Christmas instead of on the day itself?
Junkanoo is a spectacular Bahamian tradition, Persephone, held in the early hours of Boxing Day and again on New Year’s Day, featuring elaborate costumes, music, and dance passed down through generations. It grew historically as a way for communities to celebrate freely and joyfully, and today it remains one of the most vibrant, beloved cultural celebrations in the entire Caribbean.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Persephone Rolle
Nassau, Bahamas
P.S. Will you watch Junkanoo from the sleigh?
Every year, Persephone. I would not miss those drums for anything.
