by Faith from Monrovia asks Santa when Christmas falls, learns about Liberia’s unique founding history, and hears about the country’s deep Christmas traditions
Dear Santa, my name is Faith and I am nine years old. I live in Monrovia, Liberia, where my grandma says our whole country was founded in a way that connects us directly to the history of the United States.
Dear Faith, your grandma is entirely right, and I have always found that particular history genuinely moving.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, when is Christmas 2027? My little brother keeps asking and I want to give him a confident, correct answer.
You can tell your brother with full confidence, Faith, Christmas Day always falls on December 25th, without exception, every single year. Some things stay wonderfully predictable.
My second question is about our country’s history. My teacher says Liberia was founded by freed people from America a long time ago. Is that true?
It is true, Faith. Liberia was founded in the 1800s partly as a settlement for freed African-Americans, and its capital, Monrovia, was even named after an American president. That history shapes much of Liberia’s culture, language, and traditions to this day.
My third question is, why is Christmas celebrated so deeply and joyfully here, more than in some neighboring countries nearby?
Liberia has a strong Christian tradition, Faith, and Christmas is celebrated there as one of the most significant holidays of the year, with church services, family gatherings, and genuine community joy at its heart. I always find that widespread, heartfelt celebration a wonderful thing to fly over.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Faith Weah
Monrovia, Liberia
P.S. Will December 25th ever change to a different date?
Never, Faith. That much I can promise with complete certainty.
