Since moving to São Paulo in 2012, Étienne Beauregard regularly spends the holiday season under the Brazilian sun.
This is perhaps the biggest distinction with Quebec Christmas: it can be up to 35 degrees on New Year’s Eve. In December, the school holidays have started, the beaches are crowded, summer is in full swing!
To escape the heat, one of the common practices is to rent a house by the sea during the holiday season, says Étienne Beauregard. “You go to the beach, you drink, you eat,” he lists.
Speaking of meals, you certainly won’t find pie on the dining table, but cod and grilled meat – the famous churrasco – in abundance. For dessert, panettone is a must.
Brazil being a Catholic country, the Christmas mass is very important there, notes Étienne Beauregard. The population also has its own superstitions, such as jumping into the sea and jumping seven waves on New Year’s Day.
The Brazilian people are very welcoming. “If you’re alone, someone will invite you to come spend Christmas with their family,” he explains.
Marie-Karine Manoli settled in Buenos Aires after falling in love with the city and its jacarandas, large trees with purple flowers.
That was almost 30 years ago. At the time, Christmas was a much less important celebration than Three Kings Day in Argentina. That has changed since then. “Nowadays, stores sell all kinds of Christmas decorations,” says the mother of three.
Even shopping centers get a visit from Santa Claus in his big red coat! “Which is a bit ridiculous, because it’s 35 degrees! ”, she laughs.
Over the years, the Argentine population has created its own traditions, including New Year’s Eve fireworks. On the evening of December 24, people go out to their terraces to watch the city shine brightly.
Menu side, it is adapted to the summer temperature. “We eat fresh, because it’s very hot,” emphasizes Ms. Manoli. Think salads, raw vegetables, fruits… Vitel toné, a dish of Italian origin, but also very popular in Argentina, made from veal, tuna and anchovies which is eaten cold, is also a classic holiday dish .
Marie-Karine Manoli has still preserved certain Quebec traditions, such as the famous Yule log, which she cooks every year.
Does she miss a white Christmas? “This year, I have the chance to spend Christmas in Montreal and I’m happy. I tell myself it’s going to be fun, we’ll be able to snowshoe! “, she replies.
In New Zealand, Santa doesn’t travel in a sleigh. “He’s coming on a personal watercraft! “, jokes Maritza Jewitt.
Originally from Gatineau, the young mother has lived in Christchurch for almost 10 years.
Despite the 18-hour time difference, New Zealand’s holiday traditions aren’t that far removed from ours.
In December, families put up their Christmas tree – artificial, obviously – and decorate the front of their house with garlands of light. “It’s not as present as in Quebec, however,” she explains.
There, it is the activities that differ most. Instead of going skating or sliding, New Zealanders are spending the holiday season at the beach. “It’s a must,” says Maritza Jewitt.
Her 5-year-old daughter has never celebrated Christmas in Quebec. And it is her mother’s intention to return to her hometown next winter.
“We really need to go. Yes, it’s fun to go to the beach, but it’s not like a white Christmas,” she says.
