The streets of Paraguay are alive with Christmas preparations.
Some of the visual differences from a Northern Christmas are that here in Paraguay there is vivid color (some times even gaudy!) The streets are full of lights, bells, candy canes, angels, Santa Claus faces, etc. The sidewalks are full of nativity scene sets, different sizes of thatched-roofed houses (to place your figurines in), sparklers, fireworks, watermelons and fruits.
I saw a dead tree today. It was all chopped up, but it was decorated with bows, huge ornaments and Christmas lights. I didn’t like it! It looked bad! But, it probably made its owner soo happy…to see it all colorful like that.
Stores are getting stocked with Christmas decorations, fruitcakes, turrones (a peanut-taffy bar), and pop (or soda…for those of you not from Ohio). Toys will be on sale after Christmas because (in Paraguay) it is really the “KINGS” who bring the presents on January 6th.
There is excitement, a sort of happiness in the air. School is out! It’s summer. Family get-togethers and end-of-the-year parties are being planned. Its vacation time…rest, relax, sleep in, and celebrate! Twenty days till Christmas!
4 comments:
Ah yes, those long flourescent, colored lights stuck up in the trees ... I don't miss those. I just don't understand that "beauty" but the nativity scenes ... I was in my glory checking out all of those! :) I still put my Paraguayan one up every year!
I love how the truth of Christmas doesn't depend on seasons or decorations--they all enhance a celebration! South American Christmases have fireworks! That's pretty cool!
I'm too tired to decorate- but I like to look at others decorations. I think I will just go around and enjoy what less exhausted people are doing this year!
Don't forget the watermelon beside the nativity scene! I thought that was really different (offering the Christmas fruit to the baby Jesus)
We have alot of good memories of our Christmas trip! Fireworks and neighborly sharing of foods are some of them, too.
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