by Reem, age 9 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, asks Santa where to get a Santa hat, the Red Sea coast, and Christmas in Saudi Arabia.
Dear Santa, my name is Reem, and I am nine years old. I live in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where my ummi says our city sits right on the coast of the Red Sea, one of the busiest ports in the whole region.
Dear Reem, a busy port city on the Red Sea makes for one of the most bustling stops on my entire Middle East route, your ummi picked a truly lively hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Where can I get a Santa hat? My cousin abroad wants to send me one but I was not sure if it would even arrive here.
Plenty of online shops ship festive items all over the world, Reem, so with a bit of planning your cousin’s gift should find its way to you just fine. A little red hat traveling that far carries extra love packed right in with it.
My ummi says Jeddah sits right along the Red Sea, close to some very important religious sites. Is that true?
It is true, Reem, Jeddah serves as a major gateway city along the Red Sea coast, welcoming visitors traveling to significant religious destinations nearby. I always enjoy that busy, meaningful coastline on my way past.
My ummi says Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country, and Christmas is not traditionally celebrated publicly here. Is that true?
It is true, Reem, Saudi Arabia is an Islamic nation where Christmas is not a traditional public celebration. Even so, kindness and generosity never really need a specific holiday to matter, and I always think fondly of every child, wherever they are and whatever they celebrate.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Reem Al-Ghamdi
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
P.S. Will you make sure my cousin’s package arrives safely?
I will keep a hopeful eye on it, Reem, packages sent with love usually find their way.
