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The Chilean Christmas celebrations are quite similar to the U.S. with one difference – Christmas in Chile is during the summer

On Christmas Eve, Catholics attend the Midnight Mass followed by a huge dinner with the extended members of their family. Christmas is a time for family reunions and many Chileans take this opportunity to visit their relatives in distant places and be with them during the festive days.

Preparations for Christmas start nearly a month before. Chileans love decorating their homes with brilliant lights and balloons on Christmas. The Christmas tree is set up 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.

The Christmas festivities are incomplete without good food: roasted turkey, "Azuela de ave" (a special chicken soup), "Pan de pasqua" (bread stuffed with candied fruit).

The Chilean version of Santa Clause, "Viejito Pascuero" (Old Man Christmas), is believed to visit every house in Chile on Christmas Eve, riding his sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. As per popular legend, he is a small-sized man who goes down through chimneys or enters through windows to leave goodies inside the stockings of good children and nice presents for them under the Xmas tree.

This is also the day when many people enjoy the nature. The warm climate makes it possible for most to take a break at the beaches, go on rock-climbing or surfing, or even making a short trip to the nearest holiday spots. Everyone wishes another 'Feliz Navidad' (meaning Merry Christmas) on this day!