by Camila from San Juan asks Santa about Christmas stores, learns about El Yunque rainforest, and hears about Puerto Rico’s parranda tradition
Dear Santa, my name is Camila and I am nine years old. I live in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where my abuela says our Christmas season is so long it practically stretches all the way into January.
Dear Camila, your abuela is entirely right, and I always admire a place committed enough to stretch the season out properly.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, is there a Christmas store near me? My tía loves buying new ornaments every December and her collection is getting a little out of control.
Many shops across San Juan fill up with festive decorations this time of year, Camila, and I fully support your tía’s growing collection. A house full of ornaments is a house full of memories.
My second question is about our rainforest. My teacher says it is the only tropical rainforest managed by the United States Forest Service. Is that true?
It is, Camila. El Yunque National Forest is a lush tropical rainforest, home to unique plants and animals found almost nowhere else, and flying low over its green canopy on my way in is one of the most colorful stretches of my whole route.
My third question is about parrandas. My neighbors show up at our door late at night, singing and playing instruments, and we are supposed to join them and go to the next house. Why do we do that?
Parrandas are a joyful Puerto Rican tradition, Camila, a kind of surprise musical visit where friends and neighbors move from house to house late at night, singing and gathering more people along the way. It is a wonderful, lively way of spreading Christmas cheer directly to people’s doorsteps, and I always enjoy the music drifting up from the streets below.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Camila Rivera
San Juan, Puerto Rico
P.S. Would you ever join a parranda?
I have, Camila, more than once. My singing needs work, but my enthusiasm does not.
