Christmas in Colombia is celebrated as a religious holiday. Presents are brought by “El Niño Dios” (Baby Jesus) instead of “Papá Noél” (Santa Claus). He is still an important Christmas figure, but his role in gift giving has been downplayed by the church. His presence however is still felt in decorations, and Santa Clauses pose [...]

Religious themes predominate in Christmas celebrations in heavily Roman Catholic South America. The secular customs and gift-giving in these countries are an admixture of traditions handed down from European and Native American forebears, plus the increasing influence of American culture. Gift giving traditions include Chile’s “Viejo Pascuero” (Easter Old Man), and Brazil’s “Papai Noel”, the [...]