by Delfina, age 8, asks about classic animated Christmas characters, Paraguay’s rivers, and its landlocked status
Dear Santa,
Hola from Asuncion. My name is Delfina and I am 8 years old. My sisters and I love taking silly online quizzes together, and this year one of them asked which cartoon Christmas character each of us is most like, which turned into a very long, giggly argument.
My first question is: what are some classic animated Christmas characters people compare themselves to?
My second question is geography: what two rivers meet near Asuncion?
My third question is from school: why is Paraguay one of only two landlocked countries in South America?
I left you chipa, a cheesy bread, and a cup of cocido, a warm herbal drink.
Love, Delfina, age 8, Asuncion, Paraguay
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Delfina, chipa and cocido made for a warm, comforting stop, thank you very much. Now, to help settle that giggly argument, and your other questions.
What are some classic animated Christmas characters?
There are so many wonderful ones to choose from. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer represents kindness and standing out despite feeling different. Frosty the Snowman brings pure joyful, carefree fun, here for a good time no matter how short. The Grinch, at least before his heart grows three sizes, represents the grumpy side we all have on our worst days, and Charlie Brown, from the classic Peanuts special, captures that gentle, thoughtful soul who worries the true meaning of the season might get lost. Perhaps each of you and your sisters carries a little bit of all of them, which honestly sounds like the makings of a lovely family.
What two rivers meet near Asuncion?
The Paraguay River meets the Pilcomayo River right near Asuncion, an important junction that has shaped trade and settlement in the region for centuries.
Why is Paraguay landlocked?
Paraguay, along with Bolivia, is one of only two landlocked countries in South America, meaning it has no coastline touching the ocean, a result of how borders were drawn among the countries of the continent over the centuries. Paraguay instead relies heavily on its rivers for trade and transport, connecting it indirectly to the sea.
Enjoy the rest of that quiz, whichever character wins, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
