Just a general observation that Christmas here (northeastern Brazil) really doesn't make any real connection to the Christmases of my origins. It isn't just about a lack of snow or the seasonal lead up to Christmas (post Thanksgiving). It just seems that the general attitude has a very superficial feel to it - not saying that the consumer Christmas that the USA now engages in has huge depth.
It just seems weird that "ardent" Catholics don't have any interest in, for example, going to mass on Christmas.
I'm not religious but was raised a Catholic and when I see "ardent" Catholics focus on the consumer side of things or the ritual meal/gathering/party (requiring one to wear party attire - even in a personal home setting) it just feels off-key, some kind of dissonance that I can't put my finger on.
And I'm told that what is done here is a copy of what the United States practices........ (I think only in middle class+ settings).
What are your Christmas experiences/observations here?
OBS - when I first came to know Brazilian culture I was told that gifting wasn't even a Christmas Day thing but done on Reis Magos (Three Kings) day which was when the 3 kings arrived to give their gifts (Jan06).......