by Valentina from Caracas asks Santa about the color red, learns about Angel Falls, and hears about Venezuela’s tradition of roller skating to Christmas Mass
Dear Santa, my name is Valentina and I am nine years old. I live in Caracas, Venezuela, where my abuela says our whole neighborhood closes the streets to cars early every Christmas morning for a very unusual reason.
Dear Valentina, I know exactly what your abuela means, and it remains one of my favorite Christmas mornings anywhere on my whole route.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you like Christmas red? My whole family wears something red every Christmas Eve, even if it is just socks.
I have a well-known personal fondness for red, Valentina, so your family’s tradition earns my full and enthusiastic approval, socks included.
My second question is about our waterfall. My teacher says the tallest waterfall in the entire world is in Venezuela. Is Angel Falls really that tall?
It is, Valentina. Angel Falls plunges further than any other waterfall on Earth, its water sometimes turning to mist before even reaching the bottom. Flying near it each Christmas Eve, moonlight catching that enormous drop, is one of the most awe-inspiring sights on my entire route.
My third question is about roller skating. My abuela says people used to roller skate to Christmas morning Mass here, with streets closed just for that. Is that really true?
It is entirely true, Valentina, and one of my favorite Christmas customs anywhere. In Caracas, it became tradition for people to roller skate to early Christmas morning Mass, with some neighborhoods closing streets to cars specifically to make it safe. It is a joyfully unusual way to start Christmas Day, and I always enjoy watching it from above.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Valentina Rodríguez
Caracas, Venezuela
P.S. Have you ever tried roller skating yourself?
Once, Valentina, very briefly. The boots were not built for it.
