Christmas in Brazil (Northeast Region)

In Brazil, we celebrate Christmas on the evening of December 24th. For us, Christmas is a very important holiday and it should be celebrated with our families. It represents a period of forgiveness and love.
The Christmas tree is placed in the living rooms and decorated a month in advance. We also have a special day to remove the ornaments from the tree, which we call 'Dia dos Reis' or the Day of Kings (on January 5th).

Our Christmas tree is always surrounded by gifts. The exchange of gifts is the most awaited moment in the evening. 

At midnight, we have dinner and the meal usually consists of: roasted Turkey with 'farofa' (flour fried in butter), white rice, salpicão, potatoes, meat or prawns ( depending on the size of the family).

The turkey with farofa

Salpicão

The exchange of gifts comes after dinner. Sometimes, we make a "Secret Santa" game, speccially when the families are too big. Instead of buying a gift for each member of the family, you are responsible for only one person. We usually draw a name a few weeks in advance and on the Christmas Eve, we exchange gifts. This year, we will not have "Secret Santa", so my suitcase is filled with presents.

As you can see by my suitcase, the exchange of gifts is very important.

As a Catholic country, most families watch the "Missa do Galo" or the Rooster´s Mass. This is the mass celebrated by the Vatican at midnight. However, due to time differences, the transmission in Brazil happens at around 4 or 5 a.m.

December 25th is holiday and most shops are closed. Families generally remain at home or go to church, and our lunch is the same as the Christmas dinner.

Unlike Germany, we do not have Christmas markets, so Christmas is mostly felt on the 24th. In the city, there are some Christmas decoration, such as lights or a big Christmas tree at the beach. The government also organises concerts or plays during the week (22nd - 27th of December).

Christmas tree in my city (João Pessoa)

As mentioned in the title, the description is mainly about the Northeast region. There are possibly differences between the regions and some influence from other cultures may be perceived (for instance, German and Italian culture in the South of Brazil).
I would like to wish you all an enjoyable festive season.

Frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr!