Let's talk Christmas / Navidad / Holidays / Celebrations / Parties

My title is trying to be inclusive!   All celebrations and all parties are included!

This country however, is mostly Roman Catholic with a few other groups.

Christmas here is a big big deal. Everyone celebrates in the style they can!   It starts early and it continues well into January.

For those here a few years, we know that decorations start appearing in stores at the end of July. Now,  first of December and everything is clearing out, on sale and limited selection. Missing or needing something - go shopping now!  In a week there will be almost nothing left.

13th salary

Here legal employees  get a "13th" paycheck equal to 1/12 of their earnings.   That money starts to hit the streets December 5th and will continue until December 20th. 2 major impacts of this -  lots of people shopping!  (Yuck)  AND a lot of money on the streets, more drinking and partying and more opportunities for  crime!  Be safe.

Christmas main celebration here is Noche Bueno - Christmas eve!  That is when family, friends etc gather to  share a wonderful meal!  IF you are invited to a truly Dominican Dec 24th dinner, you will have an amazing time.

Generally this is when  gifts are of  clothing and shoes etc.  That is the cultural normal.  More and more outside influences mean some are more like Christmas many of us know.

December 25th is a day of relaxing and recovering from "last night". 

New years eve is another  night of dinner with family and friends.  Then the partying starts and can go all night.

3 Kings Day

This is the day of toys and  gifts!  Culturally here this is when most of the gifts are exchanged in families.

Of course there are exceptions to everything. I am being general! 

Add your experiences here in terms of the "Dominican Experience!".