submitted by Beth Andersen, Joshua Expeditions Latin America Coordinator

In Costa Rica, you always know that Christmas is right around the corner when the north winds begin to blow and the city streets are lined with vendors selling apples, grapes, and pears. Costa Ricans, affectionately known as Ticos, celebrate Christmas with anticipation and excitement. In fact, the festivities have been nationwide ever since Governor Don Gonzalo Vásquez de Coronado first celebrated Christmas in 1601 with organized activities.

With great eagerness for the holiday, government offices, local businesses, and individual homes begin setting up Portales (Nativity scenes), and a special place is reserved for them. Some families place the portal under the Christmas tree, and others place it on the floor in the living room. It always occupies a place of honor and pride in the home or business. Tradition states that a family who does not own a home must use a portal that has been given to them as a gift. In return, it is said, the holy family will bless them with a home of their own in the future. Portales start going up at the first of December, but the baby Jesus is not placed in the manger until midnight on December 24th. The children are told that Niñito Jesus is the one who brings the gifts.

The hustle and bustle of the season begin as Ticos set out to spend their Christmas bonuses. Every employee in the country is given a Christmas bonus (aguinaldo) by his or her employer. The bonus is government-declared and equivalent to a full month’s pay! This allows families to purchase gifts, and everyone usually buys a new outfit to wear to Midnight Mass on December 24th. It is only after Mass that families return home to open gifts and enjoy a feast fit for a King.

No Costa Rican home will be without tamales during the Christmas season. Tamales are a special Christmas treat made from corn dough and stuffed with potatoes, vegetables, and pork or chicken, then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over an open fire. They are commonly served as an afternoon snack with café con leche. It is a truly delicious treat!

Throughout the world, there are many interesting foods and special celebrations during the Christmas season. Though we enjoy reflecting on the differences between cultures, there is one thing that is the same no matter where you live or what language you speak: the baby Jesus was a gift for all mankind. He gave us the greatest gift of all – Himself. May Jesus occupy a place of honor and respect in each of our lives this Christmas and throughout the new year. Feliz Navidad!