by Semhar from Asmara asks Santa about a movie, learns about Eritrea’s Red Sea coastline, and hears about Eritrea’s Orthodox Christmas celebrated on January 7th
Dear Santa, my name is Semhar and I am nine years old. I live in Asmara, Eritrea, where my nena says our city has some of the most beautiful old buildings from a hundred years ago, still standing proudly today.
Dear Semhar, I have admired that exact architecture myself while flying past, and your nena’s pride in it is entirely well placed.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, have you seen Christmas 67? My cousin mentioned it, but I honestly was not sure if it was a real movie or something she made up to sound interesting.
I am not familiar with that particular title myself, Semhar, though I appreciate your healthy skepticism about checking whether something is real before believing it fully.
My second question is about our coastline. My teacher says Eritrea sits along a very important sea. Is that true about the Red Sea?
It is, Semhar. Eritrea’s coastline stretches along the Red Sea, an important historical trade route connecting Africa, the Middle East, and beyond for thousands of years. Flying along that warm, historic coast each December is a genuinely striking part of my route.
My third question is, why does my family celebrate Christmas on January 7th instead of December 25th like some of my friends abroad?
Eritrea’s Orthodox Christian community follows the older church calendar, Semhar, which places Christmas on January 7th rather than December 25th. Eritrea holds one of the older, deeply rooted Christian traditions in the region, and I always make sure to return for that properly timed, meaningful January visit.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Semhar Tesfaldet
Asmara, Eritrea
P.S. Will you really come back just for us in January?
Every year, Semhar. I would not miss it.
