by Nara from Bangkok asks Santa about Christmas markets, learns about the Chao Phraya River, and hears how Thailand celebrates Christmas cheerfully without it being a public holiday
Dear Santa, my name is Nara and I am eight years old. I live in Bangkok, Thailand, where my khun yai says the boats on our river are basically like buses, except everyone seems a lot more relaxed about being on time.
Dear Nara, I have taken one of those river boats myself, and your khun yai’s comparison is remarkably accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, is there a Christmas market near me? My mall puts up an enormous tree every year even though most of my friends do not celebrate Christmas at home.
Many shopping centers across Bangkok do put on wonderful festive displays, Nara, even though Christmas is not a traditional or official holiday there. I always enjoy seeing a city join in the sparkle and cheer of the season, whether or not it is their own tradition.
My second question is about our river. My teacher says the Chao Phraya is the most important river in our whole country. Is that true?
It is, Nara. The Chao Phraya River flows right through the heart of Bangkok and has shaped the city’s history, trade, and daily life for centuries. Following its winding path by sleigh at night, city lights reflecting off the water, is one of the most beautiful sights on my route through Southeast Asia.
My third question is, why do people here celebrate Christmas with lights and decorations even though it is not an official holiday and most people are Buddhist, like my family?
Because the joyful, generous spirit of Christmas, lights, gift-giving, gathering with people you love, resonates with people everywhere, whatever their own beliefs. Thailand’s small Christian community celebrates Christmas meaningfully, while many others simply enjoy the festive atmosphere as part of a season that has become genuinely global. I think that generosity of spirit is worth celebrating, wherever it shows up.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Nara Srisai
Bangkok, Thailand
P.S. Do you take the river boat when you visit?
Only once, Nara, purely for the experience. The sleigh is faster.
