Christmas has become, in many ways, an occasion to make money. Advertisements are everywhere, pushing people to shop. The streets are filled with decorations, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, elves, and bells—yet images of Jesus are almost nowhere to be found.
It's striking that in Brazil, we're in the middle of summer—it's hot—yet our Christmas décor is entirely European in influence. There's snow on the decorations, dolls wrapped in heavy clothes as if it were freezing, Santa dressed for an Arctic winter. People focus intensely on food and new clothes. You hear it constantly: "We'll have a beautiful Christmas, with an excellent dinner, new outfits for the children, and lots of gifts for everyone."
At large companies, people exchange gifts and celebrate with plenty of alcohol.
But there is genuine care in preparing Christians to welcome the birth of Baby Jesus into our hearts.
In our parishes, we hold novenas in church, in homes of every kind, in the streets. Every day, we gather to reflect on Scripture, to sing, to pray, and to commit ourselves. These gatherings build community among those who participate.
On Christmas Eve, there is a solemn Mass at midnight, or sometimes between 7 and 9 p.m., with deep participation from the faithful.
After Mass, the whole family comes together—grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters. We pray, sometimes we perform a nativity scene, and we exchange gifts. Our homes are decorated with the Nativity and the Christmas tree.
When there are children, Santa's joyful presence is part of the celebration too.
Every Fede e Luce community celebrates Christmas following the guidance of the Carnet de Route. Usually we gather for a larger celebration than usual, sharing a meal at a community member's home or at the parish. We act out the birth of Jesus, pray together, and exchange gifts.
In early December, in cities with more than one community, we hold a gathering that brings all the communities together to celebrate Christmas as one—with great joy and friendship.
Maria Silvia and Zilda, Brazil