Cultural Sidebar #1 - Christmas in October?

I will normally post blogs on Sunday with weekly updates, but figure on occasion I'll write separate blogs for unique cultural tidbits or experiences. Today is one of those opportunities for a cultural soapbox.

I certainly try to always have an open mind when traveling, so full disclosure: this is a grievance I'd have stateside too. I'm writing this on the evening of October 29th. 2 days before Halloween. Costa Rica is already in full Christmas swing. The house I'm living in? Decorated for Christmas. Our neighbors' homes? Christmas lights are up. The choir performance at my school today? Christmas carols.

Growing up in the heart of the Bible Belt, Christmas is always a staple back home and is easily one of my favorite holidays. I'm honestly really looking forward to celebrating it here and seeing what unique traditions Costa Rica has for Navidad. However, it is far too early to be getting into Christmas mode for my comfort zone. Costa Rica is deeply religious, but so is Southwest Missouri. My general rule of thumb in the States is that I can start listening to holiday music and watching Christmas movies after Thanksgiving or December 1st. 

My best guess is that Costa Rica's early Christmas celebration has to do with its holiday calendar. Although some Costa Ricans celebrate Halloween, (my high school and gym both had spooky decor) it is not nearly as ubiquitous as it is in the United States. In fact, it seems like some families go the Halloween route while others partake in traditions more akin to Dia de los Muertos. And as far as November goes, obviously Costa Rica does not have Thanksgiving like we do. Thus, Christmas is the next major holiday on the calendar.

Personally, I like a shortened Christmas season. I think the limited timeframe makes it feel even more special. However, Costa Rica's lack of an October/November holiday gives Christmas little festive competition this time of year. Would I love to see Costa Rica adopt some sort of haunted holiday? Absolutely. However, there's no doubt that Costa Rica's early start to the holiday season is both unique and fascinating. 




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