Christmas in Peru is a week-long celebration for most people. Schools are out until March and working adults generally take the week to spend with family. Kids look forward to the gifts that Papa Noel will bring to them. The big day, however, is Christmas Eve. Families gather for a traditional
Christmas dinner which includes turkey or chicken, baked potatoes, salad and hot chocolate with paneton, an Italian-style fruitcake.
The dinner begins at 11:00 p.m. and ends just in time to open presents at midnight. People hug each other and wish the very best to the family. Finally, the food is served, and stories and anecdotes are shared.
While the kids eagerly open and play with their new toys, adults mingle, drink and dance until well past 4:00 a.m.
