Christmas in Chile: A Family Tradition

Christmas in Chile has become a cherished tradition for my family, especially for Terry and me. Being in the southern hemisphere, December offers some of the best weather in Santiago, with sunny skies and warm temperatures inviting outdoor celebrations. However, the true draw for us is our two grandchildren, Priscilla, 9, and Oliver, 7, along with their parents.

Arrival and Family Reunions

We touched down in Santiago on December 19, welcomed by warm hugs and the excited chatter of our grandchildren. Priscilla, bursting with enthusiasm, scooped up Griffy, one of their two cats, into her arms. Unlike Coco, their other cat, who tends to keep her distance, Griffy is the social butterfly of the household. As he purred contentedly in Priscilla’s embrace, she shared her newfound wisdom: "Cats purr to calm their owner down."

A Cat Chat

Our conversation continued to revolve around cats. I mentioned Ragdoll cats, noting how I encountered one on a flight home from Morocco. A fellow passenger was transporting a male Ragdoll he had picked up in Germany to gift to his sister in Texas. Priscilla’s eyes widened with interest as I explained the hefty price tag of around 3,000 Euros (approximately $3,500). She was incredulous—“But our kittens are free!” she declared, firmly believing that pets should come without a cost.

Despite my attempts to explain the difference between buying and adopting pets, Priscilla insisted that pets, particularly those at pet stores, were indeed free, adding, “If I’m not mistaken.” This innocent misunderstanding led to charming debates about pet ownership and value.

Christmas Eve Traditions

A highlight of our trip was participating in the Christmas Eve program at their church. Under the direction of the pastor, who organized a special service at a nearby Lutheran church, our entire family played pivotal roles in the nativity story. Priscilla portrayed Mary, while Oliver, initially reluctant to take on the role of Joseph, boldly declared he’d prefer to be King Herod. Diego stepped in as Joseph, and Catherine took on the role of the Wise Man, resulting in a lively—and certainly unique—re-enactment.

As we drove home, Priscilla cradled the doll that represented Baby Jesus, thoughtful as always: “I’m not Jesus’s mother, but I wish I was.” Her imaginative spirit filled the car with warmth and delight, underlining the joy of family traditions.

Culinary Adventures in Santiago

During our visit, we enjoyed a delightful late lunch at a restaurant nestled within one of Santiago’s beautiful parks. I reminisced about our previous experiences there, expressing curiosity about the menu. Oliver chimed in with a delightful observation, “I bet the catch of the day is different.” His enthusiasm for the dining experience reminded us all of the little joys present in family meals.

A Window into Family Life

Christmas spirit is not limited to us. My niece Lucy shared a humorous story from her time in Texas. Alessandra, 11, after a lively day with cousins, settled in to watch TV and seemed to be captivated by a YouTube video of someone playing Roblox. Lucy, somewhat bemused, exclaimed, “Why are you watching someone else play a game?” Alessandra responded matter-of-factly, “You all just watched football the past few hours. Isn’t that watching someone else play a game?” This insight into sibling dynamics and how children perceive entertainment painted a vivid picture of family life.

Generational Wisdom

Another charming moment was shared by Erin Raatz from Fort Wayne. A young boy, Levi, when asked about his New Year’s resolutions, matter-of-factly stated, “No, I like myself the way I am. I don’t want to change anything.” His confident self-acceptance was a gentle reminder of the simplicity and wisdom often found in a child’s perspective.

Meanwhile, the same boy expressed a mixture of longing and contentment, wishing he had a brother but acknowledging that having sisters was “better than nothing.” Such reflections are a beautiful snapshot of childhood desires and the complexities of family dynamics.

Collecting Stories and Smiles

As we navigate these family gatherings filled with joy, humor, and sometimes confusion, I am continually grateful for the contributions of everyone who shares their stories. The exchange of experiences helps to build connections and spread joy—a reminder that family, traditions, and a few laughs create the essence of meaningful holidays.

If anyone has more stories or photos to share, or simply wishes to connect, feel free to reach out! Every anecdote adds to the tapestry of our family narrative, enriching our celebrations.

Christmas in Chile has brought not just sunshine and warmth, but also laughter, learning, and the priceless opportunity to create cherished memories with loved ones.