christmas and new years in Chile

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This past X-mas and New Years I was able to experience the holidays here in Chile. For the first time, I was in shorts, flip-flops and a tank top listening to Christmas music. While it was new and fun, I have to say that it's hard to get into the Christmas spirit. There is no snow, cold weather, getting buddled up to see neighborhood X-mas lights, no hot coco and marshmellows, Christmas goodie plates and decorating cookies (although I did my best to start that tradition here). No "White Christmas" or "Miracle on 34th Street" movie watching. You have this idea engrained into your head from childhood of what Christmas is like and it is very different to not experience that during the holidays.

BUT.....Carlos and I did share a a wonderful 1st Christmas together. We were in Vina alone. Here Christmas is not a huge holiday like it is back home. They do most of the celebrating on the 24th at midnight. All the presents are opened up then. There is not big dinner with Turkey or ham, mash potatoes, etc. Although I cooked my first turkey (breast) which by the way turned out great. Kudos for that.

The big holiday comes after, New Years. Here it is a big deal, especially in Valparaiso/Vina. They have a fireworks display that runs 21 kilometers along the coast from Valparaiso to Con Con. It lasts 25 minutes and there are something like 15 different barges in the water as shoot-off points. It is incredible. By far the best fireworks display I have ever seen. They say that over 2 million people come to see the show, the streets and beaches are packed.

As always, enjoy the pics and write comments if you feel led. I love to read them.

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Photos

Merry Christmas!
Our first Christmas together as husband and wife. ahhhhh :)

The goods
This was our Christmas spread. Mashed potatoes, biscuits, turkey, gravy, green salad, and carrots.

more fireworks
Still trying to figure out the settings on my camera.

Happy New Year!!!
once again the typical self-portrait pose.

all the people on the beach
full to the max!

Carlos' brother's family
Cesar, me, Daniel, Dani, and Edgardo.

the bro
Cesar and his family came for New Years and stayed for about 4 days. It was a great visit.

Comments

[Terry Litton]

wow!
You look wonderful and SO HAPPY!!