We have no Christmas lights or fake tree - 3 tasteful stockings hanging in the window and on the stair (Well Santa needs something to put stuff in!) and a grouping of Poinsettias.
As I noted a couple of days ago, this day is a big deal here. While I know the christian part of the celebration is important to them, I am surprised at the North American style to the display.
December 10, downtown San Jose was closed off for the Festival de la Luz - a night time parade and street party that was a cross between the Toronto Santa Claus Parade and the Rose Bowl Parade. For 3+ hours there are floats covered in lights and marching bands - local, national and international - that marched and danced and did formation and played Christmas caroles. Interesting, but I don't think there was a Santa Float! We only saw it on TV at the restaurant, but even there the sound on the TV was turned up and everyone was focused on the spectacle. Apparently this happened the next weekend in small towns around the country.
Interesting FACT - Most people know that Paris was the first city to have electric lights - hence the City of Lights title - but few know that San Jose, Costa Rica was the second city, right downtown in the Barrio Amon! - - So the Festival of Lights is fitting.
Our day will be spent enjoying the quiet of the morning and the few presents we dragged along, connecting with family and friends, the afternoon at the Beach with friends (weather permitting), and dinner with Keith and Karen and their family.
Feliz Navidad - Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas guys!
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