by Nid, age 8, asks when Christmas comes around, about the Chao Phraya, and Christmas in Thailand
Dear Santa,
Sawasdee from Bangkok. My name is Nid and I am 8 years old. Christmas is not our biggest holiday, since most of my country celebrates Songkran and other Buddhist festivals, but the shopping malls here go completely all out with lights, giant trees, and even snow machines, so it is hard not to get swept up in it.
My first question is: when does Christmas come around each year, and how do people know the season has started?
My second question is geography: what is the river that runs through Bangkok called?
My third question is from school: why does a mostly Buddhist country like Thailand still decorate so much for Christmas?
I left you mango sticky rice, which is usually a summer treat, but I could not resist making it for you anyway.
Love, Nid, age 8, Bangkok, Thailand
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Nid, mango sticky rice out of season was a wonderful little rebellion, and thoroughly delicious. Now, to your very good questions.
When does Christmas come around, and how do people know the season has started?
Christmas Day always lands on the 25th of December, but people usually sense the season starting well before that, through little signals rather than a single official start. Shops begin decorating and playing festive music, lights go up along streets, and in many places Advent calendars begin their countdown from the 1st of December. In your city, it might simply be the moment the mall trees switch on and the snow machines start up, even with the tropical heat still outside. However it arrives, that build up of little signs is often half the fun of the whole season.
What is the river that runs through Bangkok called?
The Chao Phraya River flows right through Bangkok, lined with temples, floating markets, and boats carrying people through the city daily. It has been central to Thai life and trade for centuries, and it is often called the river of kings.
Why does a Buddhist country like Thailand decorate for Christmas?
Even though only a small percentage of Thailand’s population is Christian, Christmas has become popular in cities like Bangkok mainly as a festive, commercial event rather than a religious one, embraced for its lights, music, and cheerful atmosphere, especially among younger people and in busy shopping districts. It sits alongside Thailand’s own major celebrations, like Songkran, as simply one more colourful, joyful occasion to enjoy, borrowed and reshaped to fit local taste.
Enjoy those snow machines, strange as they are, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
