While Christmas in the States means chilly weather and warm beverages, it is something entirely different in Rio de Janeiro. There is no snow, no warm ciders, and definitely no bundling up!

Sure we have the decorations and Christmas lights. The stores here have been selling them since November. My personal favorites are the stuffed snowmen. How does a parent who hasn’t seen snow explain what it is to a child who also lacks experience with this ice cold goodness? I always imagined they’d have Christmas sand castles or something that is slightly more related to the location. Christmas holidays in this city are spent at the beach, not in the snow.

And while I love beach weather, there is something strange about busting out a bikini on Christmas day. Holiday meals are also odd as it’s difficult to motivate yourself to eat a ham while simultaneously baking like one. It makes me feel pity for the poor guys wearing Santa suits down here. That can’t be comfortable. Of course part of me also wonders if they aren’t slight sadomasochists having taken that job in the first place.   more ...