by Aidana, age 9 from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, asks Santa when Christmas 2025 falls, Lake Issyk-Kul, and Kyrgyzstan’s New Year tree tradition.
Dear Santa, my name is Aidana, and I am nine years old. I live in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where my apa says one of our lakes is so big and so deep it almost never fully freezes, even in the coldest winters.
Dear Aidana, a lake stubborn enough to resist freezing sounds like one of the most impressive sights on my entire Central Asian route, your apa picked a wonderfully scenic hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
When is Christmas 2025? My teacher asked our class and I want to make sure I remember it correctly.
Christmas Day 2025 fell on Thursday, December 25th, Aidana, right on schedule as always. You can tell your teacher Santa confirmed it personally.
My teacher says Kyrgyzstan has a huge alpine lake called Issyk-Kul that almost never freezes. Is that true?
It is true, Aidana, Issyk-Kul is one of the largest alpine lakes in the entire world, and its depth and slight saltiness keep it from freezing over even in the harshest winters. I always enjoy that shimmering, unfrozen water on my way past.
My apa says most people here are Muslim, but we still put up a New Year’s tree with lights, a tradition from a long time ago. Is that true?
It is true, Aidana, the New Year tree tradition, carried over from an earlier era, remains a beloved custom across Kyrgyzstan regardless of religion. A lit-up tree bringing a family together is a wonderful thing, whatever name the holiday goes by.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Aidana Toktogulova
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
P.S. Will you visit the lake on your way to my house, just to say hello?
Every year, Aidana, that lake has earned a proper hello by now.
