If you haven’t read my bio on our website, you might be surprised to learn that I was born in Argentina. So, this time of year can be a little different for me than most Americans, especially when it comes Christmas. Growing up, Santa didn’t come down the chimney, my parents didn’t line the driveway with red and white candy canes and I didn’t wake up early on Christmas morning to a tree full of wrapped gifts. According to Reader’s Digest, I’m not the only one, as traditions vary around the world in more ways than you’d imagine. In Japan, kids get their Christmas presents on their pillows and in Jamaica, people dress in costumes and celebrate Christmas with parades and dancers. Here’s what mine looks like.
Christmas Eve is when the fun really happens
- December 24th is the ultimate holiday in Argentina for kids and adults! On this day, families get together in one central location, everyone brings their favorite dish (that isn’t eaten until 10 or 11pm) and fireworks go off at midnight to signal the start of Christmas. At that time is also when Santa appears with everyone’s gifts.
You stay up late and don’t wake up early
- Typically those that live in South America don’t have dinner until the later part of the night. From 9-11pm is common for most. Christmas Eve is no different! My family gets together around 8pm, drinks until dinner is ready and stays up well past midnight.
We unwrap gifts at midnight
- I’ve never had a Christmas where I’ve woken up early to open gifts. Once the clock strikes midnight (which technically signals Christmas Day), we are digging into our packages. When I was young, someone from my family would dress up as Santa and hand out all the kids their gifts first. Now, we simply go around the room and everyone picks up a gift one by one.
So, it doesn’t matter what your Christmas looks like or how you celebrate with your family. All that counts is being surrounded by those we love and admire (and of course having some fun)!
