LETTER WRITING
If you're writing a Christmas card to your child in Colombia, here are some things to remember:
- Christmas is an exciting time for Colombian children. For several weeks before the holiday, children in the Compassion student centers begin practicing carols, poems and dramatic presentations to share with their families during special Christmas programs.
- During these programs, children also receive Christmas gifts from their sponsors, selected for each of them by project workers. The evening ends with refreshments, which include natilla (a traditional custard dessert) and buñuelos (fried cookie balls rolled in sugar).
- The Christmas season is celebrated with a display of lights in city streets and parks. On December 16, Colombian families typically start setting up the Christmas tree, which is artificial for ecological reasons. The Christmas tree is decorated with lights and bows. Families set up nativity scenes, which are either plastic or hand-crafted figures. Everyone in the family contributes on this day. From December 16 to the 24th, families usually gather together at night around the nativity scene to pray and sing carols. On Christmas Eve family members and neighbors gather to eat and enjoy. Everyone waits until midnight to exchange gifts.
Write your child a letter.
GIFT GIVING
Child Gifts
Giving a special gift is a wonderful way to show your love to your sponsored child! With your monetary gift of $10 to $25, the country's project staff will help your child buy an age-appropriate present such as clothing, a soccer ball or other toy.
Give your child a gift.
Family Gifts
Giving a gift to your child's family helps provide the family with income-generating opportunities they can use to help support themselves and ultimately be released from poverty.
Give a family gift.
Learn more about your child's country.
