Brad and I are not really big on Christmas. I think that's because the 'silly' season in the restaurant business is busy and you are bombarded by people and their demands all day and all night, so the few days off that happen over Christmas, we just collapse from exhaustion and become rather anti-social, not wanting to see or speak to anyone, unfortunately family too... so this Christmas season was a little different. No restaurant to work in, the companies that I was teaching in stopped classes for the summer holidays and so we had time to enjoy ourselves and become the clientele of restaurants - the shoe was definitely on the other foot. I quite liked it, but still had the empathy for all those working in the food and hospitality industry.....
So how is Christmas here????? (the similarities and the differences). Christmas is christmas really....
1. Argentina is a catholic country and although most people do not go to church, the strong sense of family certainly prevails. So weekends and holidays are very family oriented and family comes first!
2. Because of the financial crash in 2002, people spend money but in a different way - it's difficult to explain. Perhaps its because there is a huge middle class here, unlike Africa, and there is expendable income. But people are still cautious and are careful with their money.
3. The Christmas decorations are tasteful and not over done, and no stores play those god aweful Christmas Carols which start in October!!! Its a pleasure to go out here.
4. There is no traditional English fair - turkey and gammon etc... there are no christmas crackers, mince pies and christmas cake. So what is there instead?
Wonderful Serrano Hams, Pan Dulce, lots of nougat (torrones) and nuts and dried fruit, and to drink - Cider.
5. Fireworks play a big part at this time of the year going all the way through to New Year.
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