by Camila, age 9, asks about public domain carols, Cuba’s coastline, and Christmas history in Cuba
Dear Santa,
Hola from Havana. My name is Camila and I am 9 years old. My abuela remembers a time when Christmas was not really celebrated openly here at all, and she still gets a little emotional every year when we put up our small tree, because to her it feels like a small miracle every single time.
My first question is a music one: what Christmas songs are considered public domain?
My second question is geography: what sea and gulf border Cuba?
My third question is from school: why was Christmas once banned in Cuba, and when did it come back?
I left you a piece of dulce de leche cake, and a strong little cup of Cuban coffee.
Love, Camila, age 9, Havana, Cuba
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Camila, that coffee had quite a kick, and the cake was rich and wonderful. Now, to your good questions, and your abuela’s small miracle deserves a mention too.
What Christmas songs are considered public domain?
Public domain means a piece of music is old enough, or was never protected in a way, that it no longer belongs to any single owner and can be freely used by anyone. Many of the oldest and most traditional carols fall into this category because they are simply too old to still be under copyright, including songs such as Silent Night, Away in a Manger, O Come All Ye Faithful, Joy to the World, Deck the Halls, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and the original 1857 version of Jingle Bells. I cannot write out any of the words here, since I try to be careful even with old songs, but you can find full versions easily through your local library or licensed sheet music sites, all free to sing as loudly as you like.
What sea and gulf border Cuba?
Cuba sits between the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Gulf of Mexico to the north and west, with the Atlantic Ocean just beyond. Being an island right in the middle of these warm waters is part of why Cuba has such a lovely, mild climate all year.
Why was Christmas once banned in Cuba?
In 1969, the Cuban government suspended the official celebration of Christmas as a public holiday, largely to avoid interruptions to important annual work in the sugar harvest. It remained unofficial for nearly three decades until 1997, when the government restored Christmas as a recognised holiday ahead of a visit from Pope John Paul II the following year, and it has been openly celebrated ever since. Your abuela remembers that whole long stretch, which is exactly why your little tree means so very much to her now.
Give your abuela an extra hug this year, and I shall see you soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
