Christmas in Colombia

[jvoorhees]

Most of my brothers and sisters live across the country.  We like to get together for Christmas if we can, but this year it is not going to happen.  Looks like it'll be New Years.
 
So, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to fly down and spend Christmas with my novia.  So to all of the veterans out there...
 
Have any of your spent Christmas in Colombia?  How different is Christmas celebrated in Colombia than in the US?  Is there anything to keep in mind when planning this?

[Researcher]

    Well Jvoohees, if your novia's family is typical of Colombian families you might want to bring your dancing shoes.They ususally celebrate practically all night. If you end up marrying this gal, I'm guessing she is probably Catholic, they also practice/celebrate the Novena.It's no big deal just sort of a nightly ritual.

      Researcher 

[benjio]

Christmas in Colombia is a lot less materialistic, and more about family. Gifts are given from those that are able but the emphasis is not placed so much on that aspect of the holidays like it is here in the U.S. If you're going to visit your girlfriend be prepared not to have any personal time. From my experience everyone will expect you and her to be around the family nonstop. You may also be invited to live with her family and some Colombians find it insulting to say "no" to that offer so be prepared to share some space with a lot of people.

[AndyLee]

I'm looking forward to my 3rd Christmas in Colombia. It seems very different here, not so much with the big mess of presents to exchange. More to do with getting together with the family and eating and drinking a lot and going to Mass on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day here is sort of like Sunday back home, you go to Mass and a big dinner then all take a nap.

[raycjs]

i spent Christmas in BAQ and new years in Cartagena..
 
Christmas we spent eating, drinking and dancing for 3 days and new years in cartagena was amazing we eat, drank and danced the night away until the sun came up...... get ready for all the funny things you we see and do on new years eve and new years day.....
 
have fun
 
Ray

[Micky]

My 5th Christmas here - IT IS OFF THE HOOK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tons of decorations - Not real big on GIFTS under the tree  (and when there are gifts,  it is BABY JESUS - NOT Santa!).
The family get togethers can only be explained (by me anyway) as sensory overload.  We take turns every year,  depending on the barrio (here is only meaning that an upscale barrio, that is not close,  is not as great as the smaller working class barrios),  it can be the super greatest thing in the world.  Entire barrios,  men,  women,  children,  all out in the street,  in the casas,  grilling in the street,  eating,  music,  dancing,  drinking.  Everyone in the world should spend at least  one Christmas in Colombia.
 
Micky