The Brazilian culture is very family centered and the holidays are celebrated accordingly. Christmas here is celebrated similarly to what I am used to in the USA; Christmas tree and lights on many houses, pictures with Santa Clause in the shopping mall, and Christmas lunch with the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The biggest difference for me was having Christmas in summertime!
 |
| BBQ on Christmas Eve with the family! |
|
|
|
 |
| Celebrating Christmas lunch at the house of my avo(grandma). |
 |
| Bea and I with our Christmas tree. |
 |
| There is one new Christmas tradition that I was able to share with my family, Christmas cookies! We got a bit creative. |
New Year's on the beach was a first for me and it was one of the coolest events I have ever seen! The beach was loaded with people! When the count down came everyone cheered and the fireworks started. A tradition here for New Years is to wear white and to jump seven waves on the beach for good luck. The New Year festivities in Brazil are definitely something to come see.
 |
| My church set up a tent so anyone could stop by and fellowship. |
 |
| Fireworks on the beach! |
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and that the year to come brings many blessings!
Tchau,
Sarah
