Fireworks at Christmas?!?

 

         A tradition in Brazil is to set off fireworks at midnight on Christmas Eve. I´ve always questioned why people do this. They just go off for at least an hour because the clocks are not synchronized. Having been brought up in Massachusetts, it took me a while to get used to a tropical Brazilian celebration. No snow, no sleigh, no chestnuts roasting on an open fire and no matching pajamas or ugly sweaters.

On Christmas Eve families get together for dinner, usually eaten at midnight, or near that time, unless there is someone with a dietary restriction. However, the food is laid out so you practically nibble all night long. Afterwards it is time to exchange gifts, hug and wish everyone a very merry Christmas.

On Christmas day, the family gather once again to eat the leftovers for lunch. There are some families that prefer barbeques and recycle the leftovers during the week. It is a lot of food, too much.

This year, due to many reasons but the main one being my health and covid, I stayed home with my cats. Not that I have covid, it is just a precaution because at the family Christmas party there were more families united.

It was a blessed evening and I got to wear my pjs instead of getting all dressed up for the occasion. For dinner, around 7pm, I ate a plate of fruit and cheese and homemade gluten free crackers. It was yummy and looked very festive. Obviously, there was a video call with the family to wish me a Merry Christmas. From 8pm to 11pm, I watched a few episodes of “The Chosen”. What a gift that was!

Although I was sleepy when midnight struck, I am glad I was home to be with my cats that get pretty scared due to the fireworks. The noise just hurts their ears. It went on until 1am, but slowly as I dosed off into sleep, the noise became more and more distant.

Whichever way you spent your Christmas Eve, I hope it made you happy. I know mine made my heart smile.

 

Written: December 25, 2021

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