Christmas wish from sponsored child in Dominican Republic

Bidio, a 14-year-old boy from SOS Children's Village Santo, Dominican Republic. SOS Children's Village Santo is currently home to 227 children in 19 family houses. Bidio has been living there for ten years now (since September 1997).

Christmas!!

Another year has gone by and it's Christmas already! Mom started planning the new decoration of the house; it will be green and red. The living room will be brightly lit up by a big Christmas tree; as usual, we'll prepare a lot of Christmas decorations, such as stars, angels and greeting cards for friends and family.

The spell of the festive mood catches us right down there at the village entrance, and the trees have lighting tinsel garlands. The children's gentle faces beam with happiness and joy as they dress up, wearing their nicest clothes to wait in a big room one more time for Father Christmas, who will drop by during the night of 24/25 December.

Last year Santa Claus came to the village, but I didn't have time to see him, though he left me some nice gifts. But this year I want to see him and thank him personally for the gifts and also for the family, brothers, sisters and the warm environment he has given me, it's thanks to Santa Claus that we have this beautiful village.

They say that Christmas is the feast of all the children, a festive occasion dedicated to sharing with others. So, Santa Claus, I have a special request to you: there are thousands of children in my country without a family, with no place to live, left in misery. They would like to have a family environment as we do, so this year they are hoping impatiently for your help; please listen to their prayers.

Santo is located at a distance of about 15 km from the capital of Port-au-Prince, on the road to the Dominican Republic. The SOS Children's Village opened its doors in 1984. All family houses on the 9-hectare building site have their own garden, and about 4 hectares of the property are used for agricultural purposes. You could sponsor a child there this Christmas.