by Isla, age 8 from Wellington, New Zealand, asks Santa about his time zone, the Cook Strait, and New Zealand’s summer Christmas.
Dear Santa, my name is Isla, and I am eight years old. I live in Wellington, New Zealand, where my nana says Christmas actually falls right in the middle of our warm summer.
Dear Isla, a sunny Christmas sounds like a delightful change of pace, your nana picked a truly refreshing hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
What time zone is Santa in? My koro says you must be really confused flying through so many different times in one night.
The North Pole keeps its own special time, Isla, which helps me stay perfectly on schedule no matter how many time zones I cross. Tell your koro the reindeer have never once been late.
My nana says Wellington sits right along the Cook Strait, and it is famously windy here. Is that true?
It is true, Isla, the Cook Strait separates your city from the South Island, and that gap makes for some rather gusty winds. I always give my sleigh an extra firm grip flying through your windy skies.
My nana says Christmas in New Zealand happens during summer, not winter like in a lot of other places. Is that true?
It is true, Isla, since New Zealand sits in the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas arrives right in the middle of summer there. That kind of sunny, beachy Christmas is one of my favorite surprises each year.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Isla Thompson
Wellington, New Zealand
P.S. Will you wear something a bit lighter for our warm Christmas?
Only briefly, Isla, my suit has served me well in every climate so far.
