December is a joyful season in most regions of the world. Be it for Christmas or for other festive reasons, people in one way or another are in an uplifted mood, eager to have a good time this very special month. The Philippines is known to be one of the Christmas capitals of the world, with our overly abundant yuletide spirit. Are you curious about how Christmas is spent elsewhere? Find out how other countries around the world celebrate this season, with customary meals and unique traditions by reading on!
Brazil
Many children in Brazil leave a sock near a window. If Papai Noel or Santa Claus finds it he will exchange it for a present! A tradition that is big here in the Philippines, that is called Missa do Gallo in Brazil, is when many attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve. A lot of people also join in a big round of Secret Santa which is called Amigo Secreto locally. Families and friends find out who their amigo is on Christmas day. Just like in the Philippines, it's common in Brazil to get a '13th salary' at the end of the year – i.e. in December you get twice the normal amount of pay for that month! The idea is to help boost the economy around Christmas.
