by Kagiso from Gaborone asks Santa about Christmas stores, learns about the Okavango Delta, and hears about the importance of cattle and gathering in Botswana’s Christmas
Dear Santa, my name is Kagiso and I am nine years old. I live in Gaborone, Botswana, where my rre says our country is mostly covered by a huge, dry stretch of land called the Kalahari.
Dear Kagiso, I have flown over a great deal of that dry, wide land myself, and your rre is entirely right about how much space it covers.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, is there a Christmas store near me? My mma wants new decorations this year since our old ones are getting quite faded.
Shops in Gaborone do fill up with festive decorations this time of year, Kagiso, and faded old ornaments have earned a well-deserved retirement after loyal service. New ones sound like a fine plan.
My second question is about our wetlands. My teacher says a huge river actually spreads out into a delta in the middle of our dry country instead of reaching the ocean. Is that true?
It is, Kagiso, and it is a truly remarkable piece of geography. The Okavango Delta forms as a river spreads out and disappears into the sands of the Kalahari rather than flowing to the sea, creating a lush, wildlife-filled oasis in an otherwise dry landscape. Flying over it is one of the most surprising, beautiful sights on my entire route.
My third question is, why does my whole extended family travel to be together for Christmas, even relatives who normally live far apart the rest of the year?
Family gathering holds deep importance in Botswana’s Christmas traditions, Kagiso, with extended families making real efforts to reunite, share meals, and reconnect, often centered around cattle and community in ways that reflect the country’s long-standing values. I think that effort, traveling a long way just to be together, is one of the truest gifts of the whole season.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Kagiso Motsepe
Gaborone, Botswana
P.S. Do you see the delta’s animals from the sleigh?
Every year, Kagiso. The elephants always seem to notice me passing.
