Christmas: I would say that Costa Rica is a lot less traditional than United States. My brother and sister received their gifts on the 22nd and when I insisted that they be wrapped and put under the tree – they just looked at me like I was crazy. However, it did feel like Christmas since all we did for three days straight was play with their new toys…we stayed up way to late and slept way to long in the morning…but it was a beautiful thing. Actual Christmas was celebrated by staying up until midnight, and at midnight everyone said “Merry Christmas” and kissed all the others. Then we set off fireworks and ate. And on Christmas morning, NO ONE IN THE WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD woke up until 11:00 because everyone had stayed up late the night before partying.

Gifts: I told you before how the church I attend is very involved with the community and serving them…well, the Pastor of the church worked really hard to find Christmas presents to donate to a nearby, VERY POOR, community. Then the church worked VERY HARD to provide a special Christmas party with games, candy, puppets, songs, food, and finally, ONE BEAUTIFUL Christmas present for each child. To me, it was wonderful in many ways:
1. The church wasn’t helping just people at their church. In fact, it benefited NO ONE at their church – it was a definite outreach and act of love. They raised money to provide a Christmas for people who have nothing. I have never seen 10 year old boys SO happy to receive a soccer ball.
2. There was also a second party, but this party was for a community of children who all have either physical or mental disabilities. Whoah…it was also a really special Christmas party. To see the faces of these kids receiving a new shirt, a remote control car, a Barbie…I was really honored to be a part of it.

New Years: I spent the day cleaning and resting, but around 6:00 I took a shower and got dressed up. My family had a little church service on the porch and then we ate refried beans and rice with hot dogs and potato chips. It might sound weird, but it was actually really good. Then we all stood around and talked for awhile. At 9:30, I went to another party with friends. We celebrated with their family by eating (again), watching the kids go CRAZY for a piñata, and setting off fireworks. Then there was no countdown, all the sudden someone said “Oh it’s here!” Hahahaha…so we all got up and said “Happy New Year” and kissed all the others. Then we had a little church service. Everyone said what they were thankful for from the year and had a little reflection for the coming year. Costa Rica is definitely a more religious country than the US – at midnight the radio stations played a song that was something a long the lines of “How Wonderful is God.” I attended two impromptu church services without even meaning too.

All in all, the holidays were much better that I anticipated, possibly because I had no expectations and I spent them both with people that I genuinely love.