by A drumming boy in Accra asks when Santa arrives, what a man-made lake is, and the meaning of kente cloth
A Letter to Santa from Accra, Ghana
Dear Santa,
Akwaaba Santa! My name is Kwame and I am 7 years old. I live in Accra, in Ghana, near the warm waves of the Atlantic. I love drumming and playing oware, a counting game with little seeds. My question is: when is Santa Claus coming? What night do you arrive? My geography question is: what is a man-made lake? And my social studies question is: what is kente cloth and what do its patterns mean? Medaase, Santa!
Love, Kwame (age 7)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, akwaaba Kwame! A drummer who plays oware sounds like wonderful company. You asked when I am coming, and here is the answer: I arrive on Christmas Eve, the night of the twenty-fourth of December, once all the children are tucked safely in bed. I travel the whole world in a single magical night, sliding down chimneys and tiptoeing past sleeping families, leaving gifts before the sun rises on Christmas morning. So be sure to leave me a snack and fall asleep early, and I will not miss you.
Your geography question: a man-made lake
A man-made lake is a large body of water created by people, usually by building a wall called a dam across a river. Your own Ghana is home to Lake Volta, one of the largest man-made lakes in the whole world. It provides water, power, and a route for boats carrying people and goods. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: kente cloth
Kente is a beautiful, brightly colored cloth woven in your own Ghana, famous all over the world. Each pattern and color carries a meaning, telling stories about wisdom, courage, or family. Long ago, kente was worn by royalty, and today it is worn with pride at special celebrations. The cloth is like a story you can wear. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Play a fine rhythm for me, Kwame. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
