by Yasmin, age 8 from Havana, Cuba, asks Santa about nativity scenes, Havana’s Malecon, and the history of Christmas as a holiday in Cuba.
Dear Santa, my name is Yasmin, and I am eight years old. I live in Havana, Cuba, where my abuela says the old cars driving down our streets are so old they are practically antiques on wheels.
Dear Yasmin, those beautifully kept old cars are one of my favorite sights flying into Havana, your abuela described the view perfectly.
Santa, I have three questions.
What is a Christmas nativity scene? My abuela sets up a little display with figures every December, but I never knew what to call it.
That display is called a nativity scene, Yasmin, small figures showing the story of the very first Christmas, with a manger, animals, and visitors gathered around. Your abuela is keeping a tradition that has been set up in homes for generations.
My teacher says Havana has a famous seaside walkway called the Malecon. Is that true?
It is true, Yasmin, the Malecon stretches along Havana’s waterfront, waves crashing against the seawall on windy days. I always enjoy that dramatic ocean view on my way in to visit you.
My abuela says for many years Christmas was not officially celebrated as a public holiday in Cuba, but that changed a while back. Is that true?
It is true, Yasmin, Christmas was not an official public holiday in Cuba for several decades, only being restored in 1998. Families kept the spirit of the season alive quietly during that time regardless, and that kind of steady hope, holding onto tradition through difficult years, is a beautiful thing to witness.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Yasmin Fernandez
Havana, Cuba
P.S. Can you add a tiny sleigh to my abuela’s nativity display this year?
I will see what the elves can craft, Yasmin, a small artistic addition sounds delightful.
