by Odile, age 8 from Kinshasa, DR Congo, asks Santa where he is right now, the Congo River, and Christmas traditions in the DRC.
Dear Santa, my name is Odile, and I am eight years old. I live in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where my tantine says our city sits right across the river from another country’s capital, close enough to wave.
Dear Odile, Kinshasa and its neighbor across the water make for one of the most fascinating side-by-side capitals on my entire route, your tantine picked a truly unique hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Where is Santa Claus right now? My little cousin asks me that every single day starting in November.
Right now I am busy checking lists, testing toys, and making sure every reindeer is fed and ready, Odile. My exact location shifts by the hour this time of year, but rest assured, I am always working steadily toward Christmas Eve.
My tantine says the Congo River is the second longest river in all of Africa. Is that true?
It is true, Odile, the Congo River stretches for an enormous distance across central Africa, second only to the Nile in length. I always follow its winding path on my way to your rooftop.
My tantine says most people in our country are Christian, and Christmas is celebrated with big church services and family meals. Is that true?
It is true, Odile, Christianity plays a central role in daily life across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Christmas is celebrated warmly with church gatherings and shared family meals. That kind of togetherness is really the heart of the whole season.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Odile Mbala
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
P.S. Can you tell my cousin your exact location just this once?
I will send her a very warm, very general hint, Odile, exact coordinates stay a closely guarded secret.
