Brazilians are lively, energetic and live the present moment to the fullest. They spend the Christmas holidays in the same way. They enjoy one evening with everything they have, bringing the season to a close and focusing on the next. However, with this comes the moment when they begin to recapitulate what has happened during the year.

Each day is a small celebration, for what is more than the opportunity to live. At least that’s how Brazilians often think. Their year is so full of experiences, fun and beautiful moments spent with family and friends. And when it comes to its end, they recapitulate it with small daily rituals and conversations.

A return, but without the rush

The main Christmas season in Brazil is relatively short. Usually on 27 December, some people go back to work and shops and services are open again, albeit in a limited mode. Christmas decorations remain up until New Year’s Day, but it is common to clean up households after Christmas celebrations. Meanwhile, Brazilians are still enjoying the summer atmosphere and planning New Year’s Eve celebrations.

At the same time, there are moments to reflect on what the year has been like. Brazilians meet in cafés, bars and on the terraces of their homes to talk about what they have done, what they have succeeded in and what they have failed in. They also discuss major milestones in their lives, be it the birth of a child, a wedding or a job change. They ask themselves if it has been a good year, answering honestly and without exaggeration.

Brazilians like to get together and talk about what happened to them during the year. ━━ Brazilians like to get together and talk about what happened to them during the year. ( Source: JLco - Julia Amaral /  iStockphoto )

Beaches, swimming pools and escaping the cities

Families who continue to enjoy time off will take to the road at this time. Their steps lead mainly to beach hotels or private homes. Those who stay in the cities laze on the beach or in the park. And it is at these moments, at sunset and with a mixed drink in hand, that the best time to recapitulate the year also comes.

At the same time, Brazilians are gradually starting to buy food, drinks and the white clothes they traditionally wear on New Year’s Eve. In addition to this, many also begin mental preparations, i.e., telling themselves in their heads what they want to carry into the New Year and what they want to leave behind.

Little rituals

Brazilians believe that tidying up acts as a closure to the year. This means that if they have order at home, they have order in their minds and are ready to enter the next year. Sorting clothes works in a similar way, which is more symbolic. They enter the next phase of life without things that don’t serve them so well. Another ritual is then lighting a white candle, at which they pray and bless for what has come their way. Most important is the knowledge that the year is closed quite naturally, not by the calendar.

Looking back on the past year

The days after Christmas and before New Year’s Eve are a time to look back on the past year. Brazilians, however, do not look at what was good and what was bad. They see everything as part of life, which makes them ready to move on.