by Zarina, age 9 from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, asks Santa about the Christmas with Holly cast, the Pamir Mountains, and Tajikistan’s New Year tree tradition.
Dear Santa, my name is Zarina, and I am nine years old. I live in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where my ona says our mountains are so tall that people call our region the Roof of the World.
Dear Zarina, the Roof of the World makes for one of the most breathtaking, most carefully piloted stops on my entire route, your ona picked a truly spectacular hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Who is in Christmas with Holly cast? My friend mentioned it but I have never actually seen it myself.
I will be honest, Zarina, that particular cast list has slipped my memory too, there are simply so many cozy Christmas films made every single year. You and your friend could look it up together before your next movie night.
My teacher says Tajikistan is home to some of the tallest mountains in Central Asia, the Pamirs. Is that true?
It is true, Zarina, the Pamir Mountains rise dramatically across your country, some of the highest peaks anywhere in Central Asia. I always give the sleigh extra time to adjust to that thin, high mountain air.
My ona says most people in Tajikistan are Muslim, but our family still puts up a decorated tree for New Year’s, a tradition from a long time ago. Is that true?
It is true, Zarina, while most families in Tajikistan are Muslim, a New Year tree tradition carried over from an earlier era remains popular, bringing lights and decorations into many homes regardless of religion. Traditions have a wonderful way of sticking around because people simply enjoy the joy they bring.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Zarina Rahimova
Dushanbe, Tajikistan
P.S. Do the mountains ever make it hard for your sleigh to fly through?
Occasionally, Zarina, though the reindeer have gotten quite good at reading mountain winds.
