— Sometimes people forget or are unaware that in the southern hemisphere seasons are reversed. Spring in the northern hemisphere is fall south of the Equator. Therefore, Christmas in the wintertime means summertime in the southern hemisphere. That is the case in Brazil.
I grew up with traditional Christmas decorations in the middle of summertime. Now, having lived away from Brazil longer than I’ve lived there, I confess that it is odd seeing places in the southern hemisphere all decorated with what is normally associated with cold weather in the middle of the summer.
I made the photos here a few years ago the day after Christmas. This is Fortaleza, the capital of the state of Ceará. The particular location is the city’s largest shopping center, Iguatemi. The first photo is the reflection of the main plaza outside the shopping center close to the sunset hour. The second photo shows the outside plaza decorated with a large artificial Christmas tree.
Next, you see an inside section of the mall. Shops and homes decorate in a very similar manner as we do in the Northern Hemisphere. There are lights, ornaments, a Santa village, and artificial Christmas trees. One main difference is that in Brazil we have a large supper on Christmas Eve. Then, around midnight we open Christmas presents.
“Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life.”
Rumi
Whatever holiday tradition you celebrate, I hope it will be wonderful and joyous. Thanks to all the followers and readers of this blog. May this festive time be a reminder to nurture harmony among all. Let us celebrate the spirit of Christmas by spreading kindness and fostering unity. Merry Christmas to all!
restlessjo
I’d struggle now to live in a cooler climate. Though I loved the seasons in the UK, the cold dispiriting part of the year lasted too long. Christmas decorations were something to look forward to and brighten the evenings, and it did seem odd at first to me to see decorations on sparkly bright sunny days here in Tavira. Of course, it isn’t always sunny here, and it can get quite chilly, but it’s all relative. The last few years I’ve gone back to be with family at Christmas. Best of both worlds! But this time I brought a horrible flu bug with me, and haven’t been out of the house since the end of December. No party, no fireworks! But grateful that they didn’t catch it. I hope you had a great time, Egidio.
Egídio Leitão
I hope you’re feeling better. We spent a day in Tavira when we were traveling in Portugal in 2018. It is such a beautiful town. The architecture, churches, and river were so charming. Thanks for your feedback.
restlessjo
Slow progress, hon, but I’m on it! The other half is a step or two behind.
Can I be rude and ask if you subscribed to my blog this morning, Egidio? I think I received notice that you had subscribed to Restlessjo and I no longer post on that blog. I ran out of storage and, feeling adventurous and wanting a change, set up StillRestlessjo. I’m not sure that it wasn’t a mistake because I lost contact with 13,000 followers and the new blog, though a separate site, doesn’t always make it easy for people to comment. Please disregard this if you didn’t follow, but I hate to waste your time. Very best wishes to you.
Egídio Leitão
Hi, Jo. Yes, I did subscribe to your blog this morning. I just checked that. I followed the link from your comment. That lead me to the “restlessjo” blog. I’ve corrected that now and subscribed to StillRestlessjo. Thanks for alerting me to that.
restlessjo
Brilliant! Thanks very much. I appreciate it 🤗🩵
Khürt L Williams
I enjoyed reading about Christmas south of the equator. I’ve never experienced that. I grew up on Roman Catholic on the equator in the Caribbean Sea. Christmas Eve is for midnight mass and Christmas Day is spent with family and friends and the day is always warm. Warm enough for a swim in the ocean.
I’ve never liked Christmas in the northern USA.
Egídio Leitão
Khürt, you and I share similar Roman Catholic upbringings. I know precisely what you refer to in your note.
Wind Kisses
I love the photos, Egidio, and I for one have loved experiencing Christmas in a warmer climate. My neighbors visit more and the decorations are extravagant. I think maybe it is because it isn’t too cold to get out and decorate. Absolutely beautiful photos in true Egido fashion.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, Donna. I appreciate your feedback and compliment.
Wind Kisses
Welcome
Amy
Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos, Egidio! Love it!!
Egídio Leitão
Amy, I’m glad you enjoyed looking at them. Happy New Year!
Writing to Freedom
Merry Christmas! 🎄
Egídio Leitão
Merry Christmas to you and yours, too.
PR
Lovely pictures Egidio 🙂. Wish you a Merry Christmas 🎄
Egídio Leitão
Many thanks, PR. Merry Christmas.
Anita
Great that you remind those who don’t know about the differences, that the seasons are reversed.
I grew up in Sweden and then it felt like a must that there was snow at Christmas, white snow and not, as it was too often, greyish. Even in Sweden, dinner is eaten on Christmas Eve and Christmas presents are opened afterwards. At least that’s how it was when I lived there. Today I’m not longing for a white Christmas nor back to Sweden.
18°C / 64.4°F here in Cyprus right now and that feels great! Yes, I lived in Malta before, for over 20 years and the climate there is similar to here.
Now, to your photos where the reflection is amazing and interesting to get an insight into the shopping center, which looks very atmospheric.
Wish you a wonderful Christmas Egídio!!
Egídio Leitão
Anita, that is really nice weather you have in Cyprus now. And with the scenery around you, it sounds like the perfect place to be for Christmas. Thank you for your feedback and wishes, too.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Ho trascorso un solo natale in un posto caldo: era Tenerife. Era molto strano essere in spiaggia e vedere le decorazioni…effettivamente.
Buon Natale di pace anche a te Egidio e grazie! 👋🎅
Egídio Leitão
Buon Natale anche a te Luisella.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Grazie. 😊
Nicole Sara
I like the brightness in your Christmas photos, and the very first photo is so beautiful, that reflection texture makes the tree and city scene look otherworldly!
Egídio Leitão
Nicole, thank you so much for your kind words and feedback.
margaret21
I’ve never really wanted an Upsidedown Christmas but it would be good to experience it – only once. Have a wonderful Christmas, whatever the temperature (69° eh – phew!)
Egídio Leitão
Having lived in the US longer than in Brazil, it now feels odd to spend Christmas in the summertime. Merry Christmas.
Tina Schell
Must admit I’d never thought of that Egidio. Although we have a relatively warm Christmas here on Kiawah (50 was the high yesterday) it still feels like winter to me, albeit a mild one. There are lots of traditional Christmas lights and plenty of seasonal greenery/wreaths/decorated trees etc. I think I would really miss that in an “opposite world” event!! Just the same it was great fun to see it!
Egídio Leitão
It is wonderful to celebrate this season in any way we can, even if only in our minds and hearts. I think we’ll likely have a warm Christmas in Austin. Currently, it’s 69F and sunny. Thanks for your comments.