Argentina Christmas Traditions

Christmas is one of the finest festivals of the world. People thoroughly enjoy the happiness, hope and mirth that the festival brings in every human being's life. Families come together to celebrate the festive spirit with parties and feast. Families prepare for festival well in advance by cleaning and decorating the house with Christmas lights, wreaths, flowers and branches of evergreen trees. Christmas tree is bought and decorated as per family's choices and likes. Christmas has universal appeal. It is celebrated across the world in different manners and by following various traditions. Traditions observed during Christmas are passed from one generation to next. Every family can have its own set of traditions related to Christmas.

In Argentina, Christmas traditions have influence of both American and European culture. Christmas in Argentina has religious significance. It is the time to enjoy with friends and family having great food, music and dance. This Christmas holiday season is a period where one can spend quality time with family. The Christmas in Argentina has to have Christmas tree decorated with lights and ornaments. Cotton is used to symbolize the snow. Gifts are often placed below the tree. Star, doll or Santa Claus is placed as the topper on the Christmas tree. Both Christmas Eve and Christmas day are traditionally celebrated by people of Argentina. The entire atmosphere is filled with festive spirit.

The orthodox Christians attend church service on Christmas Eve. The family and friends come together to have Christmas Eve dinner. The traditional Christmas dinner has turkey, pork, bread with deserts like pudding, pie and cakes. Drinks like champagne, beer, fruit juices are served with dinner. For the entire night, people enjoy music, dance and play games. The entire atmosphere has happiness and hope of new life. The streets are lit up with fire works and Christmas lights. People go out for barbeque parties, picnics and banquets on the Christmas day.

The Christmas is celebrated from December 6 to January 6. The weather in the country is hot, so cold snacks and iced drinks are served. Dinners are served in the gardens and open spaces. Carols and Christmas music are important parts of Christmas in Argentina. Some people enjoy going out to swimming pools, rivers and beaches to stay cool in the hot weather conditions. Family gatherings and gift opening are given importance during Christmas festival. The homes in Argentina are decorated with red and white flowers. Christmas wreaths are also placed on the walls and main entrance of homes. Boots are hanged at the door step so that kids will get their gifts from Father Christmas i.e. Santa Claus.