Hola! It has been a while since my last post, the Christmas season is as busy for me in Cartagena as it is in the U.S. I have been to parties with my children's classes and with friends, hosted and attended dinner parties and shopped for presents. The last item has been the easiest, friends and family are getting Colombian coffee.
Last spring when I was preparing to come to Colombia, I was told to bring Christmas decorations from home. I thought about that, but then decided that I would rather purchase local decorations from Cartagena, so that I would celebrate part of the Christmas season in Colombia the way the Colombians do.
When merchants started selling Christmas decorations here, I was dismayed that almost all of them are U.S. inspired, China made products. Stuffed Santas, stockings and even fake trees all the exact same items I would find in any Target, Wal-Mart or CVS in the States. Arrggh!!!
I did find nativity scenes that are made either in Colombia or in other Central or South American countries. Other than that though, I haven't seen too many distinctive Colombian decorations.
