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Christmas in Punta del Este, Uruguay

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Punta del Este

How long have you lived there?

18 months

If locals celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah where you are living now, how is it celebrated differently?

Christmas in Uruguay is not as big a deal as it is in the USofA... while there are still decorated places and Christmas trees - the "season" doesn't begin until December 8th - when Christmas trees are decorated in homes. Stores market toys and cater to "Papa Noel" as Santa Claus is called but Christmas is more about family get-togethers and going to beach resorts such as Punta del Este than about buying and giving presents... Actually most children receive presents from the "Three Magi Kings" (Los tres Reyes Magos) on January 6th than at Christmas from Papa Noel. They leave grass and water for the Magi's camels on January 5th at night and their shoes outside their bedroom doors so they can leave their gifts in them. Another custom here in Uruguay is the fireworks and firecrackers (which are legal) and everyone buys to throw on December 24th and the 31st at midnight... the whole country is ablaze with noise and the smell of gunpowder for about 30 minutes! There isn't much home decoration done inside or out except for Christmas trees and they aren't huge either.

Do you mix your own traditions with those of your expat location? If so, describe.

We celebrate Christmas eve traditionally with a family get-together and a lavish mealand gift one another with simple gifts - one per person - at midnight. We do not throw firecrackers.

What is your favorite thing about celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah in your overseas location?

Being able to celebrate Christmas with family members.

Beside family and friends, what do you miss from home during the holidays?

Having a wintery Christmas. It feels very strange to celebrate Christmas in 80+ degree weather! But it is summer in the southern hemisphere.

How is New Year's typically celebrated in your expat location?

Again for New Year's Eve, people either get together with family members or they go to different establishments that serve the traditionsl New year's Eve meals, music and the ubiquitous fireworks and firecrackers!

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