LETTER WRITING
If you're writing a Christmas card to your child in Peru, here are some things to remember:
- People start celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve, with fireworks, gifts to share among family, and a special dinner with turkey or chicken, salads, Christmas fruit bread (paneton) and hot chocolate. This dinner is usually served after midnight, once the gifts have been given. Afterward, the children go out to play with firecrackers. On Christmas Day the family shares time with the extended family.
- The houses are decorated with Christmas trees and nativity scenes, mostly made of painted clay. Baby Jesus is placed in the manger at midnight December 24-25. Churches have special services December 20-25.
If you're writing a birthday card to your child, here are some things to remember:
- The most important celebration for girls is their 15th birthday, as according to tradition they are no longer children, but become ladies at this age. It is a big party with the girls' friends and families, and the girls get to wear elegant clothes and makeup.
- There is also a special waltz danced with the father and any other male member of the family. Boys celebrate the same important anniversary at 18, because that is when they become young men; however, they don't have a fancy party as the girls do. For children, parties are celebrated with a birthday cake, candles, a piñata, clowns and a special dinner to share with the family, if possible.
Information Regarding Names:
- Parents usually register their children with two or more first names. In addition to these names, the child has the father's surname and mother's surname. On the support and gift list provided to the project, only the child's first name and the father's and mother's surnames are shown.
Information Regarding Language Differences:
- In Spanish-speaking countries, "culto" means "worship service."
Write your child a letter.
GIFT GIVING
Child Gifts
Below are some examples of what a monetary gift can purchase for your child in Peru:
$10 and under: ball, chicken, doll, lamp
$20 and under: blanket, book, pants, shirt, soccer ball, toy
$50 and under: clothes, food (for a family of five per week), sheets, shoes, tools
Give your child a gift.
Family Gifts
Below are some examples of what a monetary gift can purchase for your child's family in Peru:
$100 and under: bed, bicycle, chest of drawers, goat/pig/ram, graduation dress, mattress, suit, wardrobe
$150 and under: bunk bed, school supplies
Income-generating ideas within the family gift limit of $300 are:
- Sewing machine
- Mobile sandwich booth to sell sandwiches and fast food in the street
Give a family gift.
Learn more about your child's country.
