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Show I ' M. ' : ; - v,Hlill;:""L I i f 4 :i m m.: - ft i- i i - : ? ft!lF ft? i'W&lftil- it - r':ft 'X, ?:".-l ft ...(..v.v,v. : v'f -y- :- : "' J CECILA PENA Christmas in Uruguay "Christmas in my country is very beautiful," stated Cecila Pena, a native of Uruguay. "Because I live south of the equator, summer is just starting. Many of our activiues are 'outside in the gardens." Christmas in Uruguay is a time when families get together. The celebration starts Christmas Eve and continues at mid-day on Dec. 25. Plates of cold cuts are typical foods. They are served with salads and ice cream. Cecila's family has a swimming pool in her back yard so many of her family members enjoy a swimming party and a barbecue. There are many street activities. Christmas Eve is exciting because of large firework displays. "About 1 a.m. Christmas Eve," Cecila says, "dances for the young people start These continue Until about 7 a.m. " Santa Claus brings presents. They are usually opened Christmas Eve. The people of Uruguay observe Christmas as both a festive and a religious re-ligious holiday. "Everyone dresses in beautiful clothes for Christmas Mass. Many young people wear jeans with silk shirts. There are many white dresses," Cecila recalls. re-calls. "Christmas is a wonderful holiday in Uruguay." |