In Chile, people decorate their homes for Christmas with lights, wreaths, and Christmas trees adorned with ornaments. Nativity scenes called “pesebres” are also popular decorations, along with festive garlands and candles.
Now take a closer look
During the Christmas season in Chile, people go all out to decorate their homes and create a festive atmosphere. The decorations typically include a variety of elements that add a touch of charm and holiday spirit to their surroundings.
One of the most common decorations in Chilean households during Christmas is the use of lights. Colorful lights are hung both inside and outside the houses, illuminating the streets and adding a warm glow to the festivities. These lights come in different shapes and sizes, with some families even creating intricate light displays in their front yards.
Another popular decoration is the Christmas tree, which is adorned with ornaments, tinsel, and sometimes even small gifts. The trees can be natural or artificial, and they serve as a central focal point in many homes. It is common for families to gather around the tree to open presents and celebrate together on Christmas Eve.
Nativity scenes, locally known as “pesebres,” hold great importance in Chilean Christmas traditions. These scenes depict the birth of Jesus and include figurines of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the shepherds, the Three Wise Men, and various animals. Pesebres are often beautifully crafted and displayed in homes, churches, and public spaces throughout the country.
To add an extra festive touch, Chileans also decorate their houses with garlands, wreaths, and candles. These decorations are often made with vibrant and natural materials such as pinecones, berries, and leaves, creating a cozy and welcoming ambiance. Some families even incorporate symbolic objects like wheat and grapes, which represent abundance and the hopes for a prosperous year.
To provide a well-rounded perspective, here are some interesting facts about Christmas decorations in Chile:
-
The use of Christmas lights originated in the United States but quickly spread to other countries, including Chile. Today, Chileans eagerly embrace this tradition and create stunning light displays.
-
In Chile, it is common to see Christmas tree contests organized by municipalities, encouraging families to compete for the most beautifully decorated tree.
-
According to folklore, placing a small figure of a crow or rooster in the nativity scene is believed to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits.
-
The tradition of decorating Christmas trees in Chile became popular in the 1960s, influenced by European and American customs.
-
Chilean artisans create unique and intricate handmade decorations, such as clay figurines and embroidered ornaments, which add a personalized touch to the festivities.
In summary, when it comes to Christmas decorations in Chile, the country truly embraces the spirit of the holiday season. The use of lights, Christmas trees, nativity scenes, garlands, and candles create a warm and festive atmosphere that brings joy and togetherness to families and communities. As the Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral once said, “A little bit of light in the darkness, a little bit of hope in the night, this is what Christmas means to our hearts.”
Below is a table showcasing the common Christmas decorations in Chile:
| Decoration | Description |
|---|---|
| Lights | Colorful lights hung inside and outside, illuminating streets and homes |
| Christmas Tree | Central focal point adorned with ornaments and tinsel |
| Nativity Scene | Depicts the birth of Jesus with figurines and animals |
| Garlands | Made with natural materials, adding a festive touch |
| Candles | Provide warm and cozy ambiance |
See the answer to “How do people in Chile decorate for Christmas?” in this video
In the YouTube video titled “Christmas Traditions in Chile,” the YouTuber discusses various Christmas traditions in Chile. One notable difference is that Christmas is celebrated during the summer in Chile, allowing for outdoor activities and light clothing. Chileans open presents at midnight on Christmas Eve, and they have their own name for Santa Claus, calling him “Viejo Pascuero.” Instead of gingerbread, Chileans enjoy a sweet bread called “Pande Pasqua” with gummy fruit inside. They also have a traditional Christmas drink called “Cola de Mono.” Christmas dinner typically consists of barbecue or turkey, along with lots of salads. The video also briefly touches on the Chilean salad, which is enjoyed daily but it remains uncertain if it was invented in Chile. The video concludes by wishing viewers a great Christmas and a joyful start to the new year.
Some more answers to your question
Usually beginning in November, wreaths, colourful lights, garlands and iconic nativity scenes begin to fill locals’ homes and around malls and store windows throughout towns and cities. Christmas trees are harder to find in Chile, so locals opt for artificial trees or sculptures to be decorated in their homes instead.
Chileans love adorning their homes with brilliant lights and balloons on Christmas. The Christmas tree is set up one or two days before the festive day and decorated with tiny clay figures known as ‘pesebre’. Elaborate scenes from the nativity are put up and clay/wooden figures are used to represent the Holy Family and other religious characters.
You will probably be interested in these topics as well
What do people from Chile do for Christmas? Response: Instead of waiting until Christmas morning, Chilean families gather around the tree and open their presents at midnight on Christmas Eve, or “La Noche Buena.” Following a big turkey dinner, many families attend Christmas Eve Mass or “Misa de Gallo” at their local church, where traditional villancicos (Chilean carols)
Keeping this in view, What does Santa look like in Chile? In Chile, they call Santa Claus Papa Noel or Viejito Pascuero, which literally translates as ‘Old Man Christmas’. However, aside from the name, Chilean Santa has many of the same traits as the European and American Santa. He wears a red and white suit, drives a sleigh, and carries a big sack of presents.
How does South America decorate for Christmas?
Response to this: The streets of Latin America are brightly decorated with Christmas lights, poinsettias, and Christmas trees. On Christmas Eve, people venture out to watch the skies light up with fireworks. In the homes, decorated Christmas trees are common but not the central decorative piece.
Subsequently, Why do people in Chile have to be creative with their Christmas trees?
Pine trees are hard to come by in the summer, so Chileans get creative: many opt for fake trees or simply decorate their corridors and front yards with Christmas lights and displays.
Consequently, What are the main Christmas traditions in Chile?
In reply to that: Here are the main Chilean Christmas traditions: During this time of year, it is common to see people dressed up as " Viejito Pascuero " in the streets, known as “Papá Noel” in Chile, he has many of the same features as the European and American Santa Claus. The peak of Christmas in Chile is not Christmas Day, but Christmas Eve.
Where can you see Christmas decorations in Chile?
Creativity takes over in the main plaza of Santiago, Chile’s capital. In the past, an enormous sculptural tree took center stage, featuring hundreds of rag dolls. Nativity scenes are a traditional component of Christmas decorations in Chile. These can be seen in parks and plazas for public viewing as well as in family homes.
Accordingly, Does Chile have a White Christmas?
Thinking of getting away this festive season? Although you won’t get a white Christmas in Chile, Chileans definitely know how to do festive cheer. Chile is in the Southern Hemisphere, so Christmas Day actually falls in the middle of summer.
One may also ask, What to drink on Christmas Eve in Chile?
Merry Christmas, Chilean style! SANTIAGO – Cola de Mono, or “Monkey’s Tail” in English, is a typical drink few Chileans miss on Christmas Eve. It demands attention with its curious name and sweet taste. But who invented it and what does it have to do with monkeys?!
Herein, How do people decorate their houses in Chile? Response: People in Chile relish the task of decorating their houses with Christmas trees, balloons, and lights. They will often set up the Christmas tree a day or two pending the festive day and adorn it with tiny clay figures called ‘pesebre.’ The families will also create elaborate scenes from the nativity.
Likewise, What are the main Christmas traditions in Chile?
The reply will be: Here are the main Chilean Christmas traditions: During this time of year, it is common to see people dressed up as " Viejito Pascuero " in the streets, known as “Papá Noel” in Chile, he has many of the same features as the European and American Santa Claus. The peak of Christmas in Chile is not Christmas Day, but Christmas Eve.
Besides, Where can you see Christmas decorations in Chile?
Creativity takes over in the main plaza of Santiago, Chile’s capital. In the past, an enormous sculptural tree took center stage, featuring hundreds of rag dolls. Nativity scenes are a traditional component of Christmas decorations in Chile. These can be seen in parks and plazas for public viewing as well as in family homes.
Just so, What to drink on Christmas Eve in Chile? Response to this: Merry Christmas, Chilean style! SANTIAGO – Cola de Mono, or “Monkey’s Tail” in English, is a typical drink few Chileans miss on Christmas Eve. It demands attention with its curious name and sweet taste. But who invented it and what does it have to do with monkeys?!