Can We Talk About This? (It's the Season)

Here the big celebration is on Christmas Eve. Earlier in the day we ran a few errands. We went to this rotisserie that has great products. It turned out they were not open yet, but the adjoining restaurant was, so we had an impromptu early lunch/late breakfast there, which was fun. In the evening we did a barbecue on the grill we bought as our Christmas gift.


Yesterday was oppressively hot and nothing is open. So, we lazed around in pajamas with the dogs, had a few beers and watched movies. My sister sent me a quick Merry Christmas text. I didn't hear from the rest of the family, which was fine.

Rechu, sounds like a nice day. What kind of celebrations are there where you are?

Christmas Eve is a very family-oriented holiday. Families get together for a meal in the evening and open gifts. Lots of families grill because it is hot to be cooking inside. Although some do bake a turkey. People drink cola de mono, which is Chile's response to eggnog. On Christmas Day, some people visit the other side of the family to do the gift exchange.

The weird thing is that when there are kids in the house, they get their presents from Santa that night. When I was with my ex, he and I used to have to take his nephew out to "look for Santa" while his parents got the presents out of hiding. To me, it seems even harder to believe in Santa with that. I would be thinking, hmm, he always comes just when we went for a walk.

Our municipality does this thing most years where Santa drives around in a truck decorated like a sleigh. I think 2020 was canceled because of the pandemic. For some reason, it fascinates our dogs when he passes by. They were able to see him this year.

Some videos have gone viral from Caribbean immigrants from places like Colombia and Venezuela complaining about how the holiday is celebrated here. Apparently, they are all about dancing to cumbia in the streets and Chileans' way of celebrating is boring.

Thanks Rechu. I find learning about customs in other countries interesting. Lol at myself. We have plenty of shorts weather Christmases here, but talk about hot weather at Christmas still surprises me. :shrug:

Do you know the origin of the traditions in Chile? Did they come from Europe like most American traditions?

Thank you for this thread.

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Originally Posted by rechu Here the big celebration is on Christmas Eve. Earlier in the day we ran a few errands. We went to this rotisserie that has great products. It turned out they were not open yet, but the adjoining restaurant was, so we had an impromptu early lunch/late breakfast there, which was fun. In the evening we did a barbecue on the grill we bought as our Christmas gift. Yesterday was oppressively hot and nothing is open. So, we lazed around in pajamas with the dogs, had a few beers and watched movies. My sister sent me a quick Merry Christmas text. I didn't hear from the rest of the family, which was fine.

I've never been with family or friends who celebrated Christmas Eve, but I've always liked the idea. Somehow it seems more exciting and spiritual, both. And the lights and decorations are vivid, dinner nicer.

You are so welcome @Buffy01

Oh Beth, I've been feeling really crappy and 'acting' throughout the holidays as though I'm happy as I don't want to be a Debbie-downer... but the reality is is that I've 'done' the holidays for others and didn't put on my own proverbial 'oxygen mask' on first. I didn't do what I wanted and I feel so far away from myself.

In fact, I've really been on the edge, if you know what i mean; but, I've been hiding it. even on here, I've hidden it. Everyone wants to be happy and I really don't want to bring them down... but, I am very low.

so low...

Yes. Our indigenous population is relatively small compared to other countries Like Bolivia or Ecuador, so most people are mainly/all descended from European immigrants or a mix. Obviously, there are many from Spain, but others came from Italy, Germany, Switzerland, etc. The immigrants from Germany and Switzerland mostly went to the South. We also have a significant Croatian population in Patagonia. My husband and I went to Porvenir in Tierra del Fuego and they even have a Croatian Club. So, the traditions are mainly from Europe.

We also have a significant Palestinian population. They are majority Christian. We even have a soccer team called Palestino. I am not sure how their traditions differ, but the food must be good.

I know just what you mean, even the spiritual aspect. Christmas Eve was always the big deal for me and everyone I knew. Christmas Day always felt so anti-climactic to me . . . like a beautiful baloon that suddenly just lost most of the air inside it.

I try to stretch Christmas out to the traditional 12 days because I hate it to be over. I only just opened my presents today. They looked so nice under the tree I didn't want to disturb them. They are gifts I received in the mail because I'm so far from family. Opening them, I broke down crying at all the trouble one of my sisters went through picking out things and wrapping them so pretty.

I never was like this on Christmas before. Maybe that's because it's been so long since I visited family. That was due to COVID. Then, this year, I got sick. Physically, I'm fine now, but not mentally.

Rechu, thanks for the information. You made today a good day for me. I don't remember who said it first "any day I learn something is a good day"

Aww, Liz. I am glad you liked it!

I’m so tired of grieving during the holidays.

I prefer days I learn things.

Love and and respect to all sentient beings

To dear Beth. Thank you for being intelligent and respectful

Nor did I.

What a surprise to find that here, on this thread Like a surprise gift! Thank you Fuzzy Dear!

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Originally Posted by Fuzzybear

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Originally Posted by TheGal Oh Beth, I've been feeling really crappy and 'acting' throughout the holidays as though I'm happy as I don't want to be a Debbie-downer... but the reality is is that I've 'done' the holidays for others and didn't put on my own proverbial 'oxygen mask' on first. I didn't do what I wanted and I feel so far away from myself. In fact, I've really been on the edge, if you know what i mean; but, I've been hiding it. even on here, I've hidden it. Everyone wants to be happy and I really don't want to bring them down... but, I am very low. so low...

That sounds like a horrible way to go through the holidays. When you say you are "very low" do you mean depressed, or is something else going on?

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Originally Posted by Buffy01 I’m so tired of grieving during the holidays.

Yes. So am I.

Thank you for your friendship, Fuzzy. Thank you for your gentle kindness, and for respecting everyone on this forum. Thank you for your intelligence, and for listening to each person's story.

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Originally Posted by Fuzzybear To dear Beth. Thank you for being intelligent and respectful

I am depressed...

Also a friend of mine is in hospital (far away) as she has depression. I miss her ... she is such a sweet person and, like many of us on the forum, has an incredibly heavy burden to carry...

I am so sad and low...

I wish I could help people, but I can barely help myself ... I feel I'm being swallowed whole by depression... I'm so sad....

I'm so sorry @TheGal. How sad about your friend. So many people suffer with depression...too many. We are not alone. In my lifetime, like anyone, I have had many days, many weeks of terrible grief, but this entire season since October has been one of solid depression for me. I've never experience a length of depression like this.

I also would like to help people. In the past, volunteering picked my spirits up right away. Now when I hear even the slightest bit of a sad story tears come into my eyes. It's gotten so I'm afraid to talk to people. What if I start crying?

Are you on any medication or in therapy?

I've been doing my best in the last week to let myself "just" feel whatever I'm feeling. Been trying to sit and observe/experience whatever comes along. It seems to be helping.

I understand. I just want to run away.