Hanukkah is celebrated the same way and on the same day in the U.S., in Brazil and in Mexico. But the way Christmas is celebrated is different in the 3 countries.
We all know how it's celebrated in the U.S., but in Brazil the malls and the streets start being decorated around Halloween. That's right! Brazilians don't celebrate Halloween (well, they are starting to celebrate it because they love the party) or Thanksgiving like we do in the U.S., o people get really excited about Christmas. The houses don't have a set date to start being decorated but it usually happens in the beginning of November. They put up the trees, the nativity scene, Santa Claus', and even fake snow. Christmas there happens during summer and, believe me, it is super hot! It is really weird to experience a hot summer. On our first christmas in Brazil my kids asked me: -"Mom, is Santa coming this year? There is no snow outside"! So be ready to spend the holiday by the pool. It will be a unique experience.
In Brazil they celebrate Christmas eve as well as Christmas day. On Christmas eve there is a big dinner with the whole family, then the kids go to sleep. As soon as the kids wake up, in the next morning, they open the presents. They go wake up the adults and open all the presents without following an order. It is pure excitement. Around noon more family and close friends arrive for Christmas dinner. Usually the dinner is held at the family's matriarch home. The meals are similar on both days but the meat that is served changes form one day to the next. They serve 2 salads, one green and one like a potato salad with more ingredients, white rice, farofa - the brazilian equivalent to our stuffing -, turkey and/or ham, gravy, potatoes (roasted or mashed) and vegetables. There's fruit salad, walnut cake or flan (pudim de nozes), chocolate and coffee - cafezinho - that is served in small cups and almost as strong as an espresso. It is a delicious meal and a great party.
In Mexico the celebration starts 9 days before Christmas, on the 15th of December. Like the Brazilians, Chistmas eve already counts as Christmas. This celebration is called Las Posadas. It has this name because it is a reenactment of Joseph's and Mary's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Their search took 9 days. Each evening of the posadas, neighborhood residents make their way to a designated home, where they seek food and hospitality. There is singing, readings and celebration. A pinata, filled with Christmas sweets is broken, and everyone enjoys tamales, buneulosand a hot chocolate. For adults who want something with a little more kick, there is a hot punch this is made of blends of seasonal fruits and a shot of wine or spirits. On Christmas dinner the traditional meal is bacalao a la vizcaina - a dish that includes salted cod that has been dried, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, olives, capers and red bell peppers. Like in Brazil, friends and family are invited to the party. And in Mexico people start decorating the malls, the streets and their homes after the celebration of the Dia de Los Muertos - November 2nd, another catholic holiday. But it is winter there and Mexico City can be pretty cold this time of the year.
So wherever you are, enjoy your Christmas!
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