Time Capsule - December 1990 - Christmas in Chile

     Twenty-five years ago, I spent my first Christmas away from home. I wasn't just in another city or state, I was in a foreign country - Chile. Since holidays are molded by the cultures that celebrate them, I noticed several similarities as well as differences in the ways in which the holidays were celebrated.
     The most obvious difference was that the holiday takes place in the summertime instead of the winter. Therefore, instead of typical North American traditions such as building snowmen, drinking hot chocolate, and wearing ugly Christmas sweaters, Chileans celebrate the holidays by going to the beach, having bar-b-ques, and going for hikes (paseos) through the countryside. Despite the difference in seasons, Chileans decorate fir trees, and Viejo Pasquero (Santa) still wears his full red winter suit - although I did see a Christmas card once with Santa stripped down to his red, fur swim trunks while sunbathing on the beach.

Me playing Viejo Pasquero

     Most Chileans didn't have their houses decked out in thousands of colorful lights, nor did they have huge blow-up figures covering their lawns. Instead, holiday decorations usually consisted of a small, decorated fir tree and maybe a nativity scene.
     Similar to my own experience, Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) was usually celebrated with a large family dinner - often a large fowl or lamb. Unlike in most North American families, the celebration typically lasts most of the night. At the stroke of midnight, the family members wish each other Feliz Navidad and give each other hugs. Then they adjourn to the living room where the tree is and open their gifts. Somehow, Viejo Pasquero visits all the homes right at midnight, so there is no need to wait until morning to see what he brought. Of course there aren't piles of gifts to open. Instead, most kids get one main gift from Santa, and a few other gifts from family members. The party then continues until about 3:00 or 4:00 am with music, food, drink, and dancing.
     Christmas Day is a day of rest after the late night party. Many Chileans attend a Christmas mass. Others head to the beach or on an excursion out to the countryside for a picnic.
     Typically, New Years is celebrated much the same way as Christmas, except without the gifts. Also, there are often fireworks from celebrations throughout the country on TV. I remember the delicious BBQ goat we ate on New Year's Day.

New Year's BBQ

     Although many Spanish-speaking countries celebrate Las Posadas or Three Kings Day (Jan. 6), I never noticed those celebrations going on in Chile. I'm sure some families must celebrate them, at least to some degree, but they weren't as big of a deal as they are in Spain and Mexico. However, Chileans did celebrate Dia de los Inocentes on Dec. 28. It is a day of pranks, similar to April Fools Day.
     Feliz Navidad! y Prospero Ano Nuevo!