Christmas tree, stocking, mistletoe, fireplace...snow? No, not in Chile. They are the ones who spend Christmas in mid-summer, enjoying the warmer temperatures and long summer days. And that, together with such rich culture, is what makes Chilean Christmas a bit more special.

In Chile, Christmas is celebrated in several different ways across the varied landscapes and families, but it is - above all things - a Christian feast. Many attend church services, including the traditional Christmas mass, and often read passages of the bible, reciting Jesus' birth while carolling the "Villancicos navideños".

Moreover, Christmas in Chile is a time for families to get together and enjoy each other's company and some homemade cooking. The traditional Chilean family is quite big and consists of several generations, usually gathering together late in the afternoon in Christmas Eve to start the celebrations and go to the Church mass. Then, in the evening, a big dinner is served filled with typical Chilean foods: roasted chicken, turkey or other special main meal; Pan de Pascua, a sweet fruit cake dessert; and the traditional drink called "Cola de Mono" made of coffee, liquor, milk, sugar and cinnamon.

Right before midnight, a toast is made to wish "Nochebuena" and the kids are taken for a walk - Chilean parents have the habit of taking the children out for a walk before the arrival of "Viejito Pascuero"(Santa Claus) - and in their return, the toys are already expecting for them under the tree. Similarly to everywhere else in the world, "el Viejito Pascuero" travels in a sleigh pushed by reindeers and traditionally also comes down the chimney bringing toys and gifts to good boys and girls. Chileans also traditionally decorate a tree - each family in their own special way - and have nativity scenes with baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, animals, and the three wise men.

At midnight gifts are exchanged. Kids enthusiastically go out in the streets, showing their presents to friends and inviting them to play along. The excitement is also shared by adults who habitually stay up all night celebrating with family and friends. And for those staying at home, television channels are filled with Christmas movies and cartoons.

In the end, Christmas is the most meaningful and expected celebration by Chileans - alongside New Years - and no matter if one is in Central, South or North Chile, Christmas is a time for family celebration. Merry Christmas everyone.

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