In most of the Caribbean, Santa Claus does not visit. The islands have a very strong Catholic background and the Christmas season is a religious holiday. The focus is on the birth of Jesus and the visit of the Magi.
I grew up on the small island of Puerto Rico. Christmas as I remember from my childhood went like this:
For Christmas we were visited by the Magi, who were, of course on their way to Bethlehem to see baby Jesus. The Magi stop at every house to feed their camels. If the children leave food and water for their camels, they will in exchange receive a gift.
On the night before Christmas, which we call Noche Buena, my parents took my sisters and I to the fields where we would collect grass. We would place the grass in empty shoe boxes under our beds along with a bucket of water. In the morning we would awaken to find the water and grass gone and in its place a gift. We would then run to the living room to find more gifts under the tree from our family.
It is one of the fondest memories I have of my childhood: excitement of the preparations the night before, trying to stay awake to see the Magi, and hearing the story of the birth of Christ. It is a wonderful Christmas tradition that I have passed down to my own children.
About Beba Schlottmann
Beba Schlottmann is an exuberant worshiper whose passion comes from a deeply-rooted relationship with Jesus Christ and a love for diverse styles of music and cultures. Moving to the states at age 12 from Puerto Rico, Beba graduated from West Coast Christian College in Fresno, CA. She is the president of Women on the Move, a ministry of the Lawrenceville Church of God. Beba also serves as a worship leader, teacher, interpreter and as a mentor. Beba's involvement in mission work has taken her to Europe, Central America and the Caribbean where she has served as a speaker, teacher, worship leader and interpreter. Beba's pride and joy are the men in her life, her husband Brian and their two boys, Matthew and Julian. She enjoys traveling, writing, reading, singing, and hosting international friends. Her not-so-secret indulgences include coffee and any flavor of Milka chocolate. You can visit her blog or Facebook profile to find out more about Beba.
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