Merry Christmas or as they say in my part of the world, Feliz Navidad.
Michael: Thought it might be a good time to share with readers the similarities and differences between Christmas in Michigan and Bogotá, Colombia.
Graciela: The city also puts on large light displays. This year, the capital of Colombia is said to spend over $8 million USD setting up the displays in the city of eight million people. We showed some of the displays from earlier years in our writing "When is the Best Time to Visit Bogotá."
Michael: Santa Claus brings the presents to children in North America. However it is Papa Noel responsible for them in Colombia. He is just the delivery instrument for Niño Dios (Baby Jesus). Children write their letters to the Baby Jesus. That is probably why many people go to the church 20 de Julio to pray for miracles from Divino Niño.
Graciela: Americans start their holiday festivities after Thanksgiving. Since we do not have that holiday here, some stores started their Christmas displays as early as the first of November. By the beginning of December Christmas items were going on sale by as much as 50% off.
Michael: I have noticed that children in the USA receive many more presents than those in Colombia. The adults usually refrain from giving each other presents and there is no secret Santa at work places. However we do give gifts to those who help us. For instance we gave something to the guards who protect our neighborhood.
Graciela: Rather than meet on Christmas day the family gathers on the eve and celebrates with a late meal. For me this is my time to usually serve ajiaco.
Michael: While family does get together on Christmas day in the USA, Colombia is more family oriented in my opinion. I wrote before about the scene at the airport when a Colombian lady brought her new gringo husband to meet the family at Christmas.
We wish you and all your family a very merry Christmas Day.