As the Christmas parade was on in Atenas last night, what better way to kick off the season than a countdown to the special day? If you’ve ever wondered what the traditional “12 Days of Christmas” might sound like in a place where beaches replace snowbanks, tamales are practically currency, and pura vida is a way of life, you’re in for a treat. Costa Rica’s Christmas season stretches from early December into January with family, food, faith, festivals, and a whole lot of sunshine. From nativity scenes that rival art installations to horse parades that could charm a rodeo cowboy, here’s a warm homage to a Tico holiday filled with joy and that laid back festive spirit.
On the first day of Navidad, mi Tico gave to me
A Nativity portal glowing bright
(Because every home and plaza lights up with cherished el pasito nativity scenes by December.)
On the second day of Navidad, mi Ticos served to me
Two cups of rompope
(Creamy, warm, and maybe just a touch spiked, the perfect way to toast family and friends.)
And a Nativity portal glowing bright
On the third day of Navidad, mi Ticos gifted me
Three dozen tamales
(Made with love in every banana leaf-wrapped bundle.)
Two cups of rompope
And a Nativity portal glowing bright
On the fourth day of Navidad, mi Ticos sent for me
Four shining cypress trees
(Tiny or tall, trimmed with lights and perfectly tropical.)
Three dozen tamales
Two cups of rompope
And a Nativity portal glowing bright
On the fifth day of Navidad, mi Ticos showed to me
Five golden sunsets
(Because in Costa Rica, Christmas comes with ocean views and vibrant dusk colours.)
Four shining cypress trees
Three dozen tamales
Two cups of rompope
And a Nativity portal glowing bright
On the sixth day of Navidad, mi Ticos shared with me
Six loud fireworks pops
(Bright bursts in the sky that chase away any notion of winter calm.)
Five golden sunsets
Four shining cypress trees
Three dozen tamales
Two cups of rompope
And a Nativity portal glowing bright
On the seventh day of Navidad, mi Ticos dared me to ride
Seven prancing horses
(At the Tope Nacional parade, where equestrian pride gallops down San José’s streets.)
Six loud fireworks pops
Five golden sunsets
Four shining cypress trees
Three dozen tamales
Two cups of rompope
And a Nativity portal glowing bright
On the eighth day of Navidad, mi Ticos said to me
Eight beach days waiting
(Because after Noche Buena and midnight mass, many head straight for the sand.)
Seven prancing horses
Six loud fireworks pops
Five golden sunsets
Four shining cypress trees
Three dozen tamales
Two cups of rompope
And a Nativity portal glowing bright
On the ninth day of Navidad, mi Ticos danced with me
Nine Christmas posadas
(Walking from house to house in community celebration and song.)
Eight beach days waiting
Seven prancing horses
Six loud fireworks pops
Five golden sunsets
Four shining cypress trees
Three dozen tamales
Two cups of rompope
And a Nativity portal glowing bright
On the tenth day of Navidad, mi Ticos brought to me
Ten laughing friends
(Because pura vida means sharing this season with all who bring warmth to the table.)
Nine Christmas posadas
Eight beach days waiting
Seven prancing horses
Six loud fireworks pops
Five golden sunsets
Four shining cypress trees
Three dozen tamales
Two cups of rompope
And a Nativity portal glowing bright
On the eleventh day of Navidad, my Ticos cooked for me
Eleven loins of roast pork
(Rich, juicy and a centrepiece fit for family feasts late into the night.)
Ten laughing friends
Nine Christmas posadas
Eight beach days waiting
Seven prancing horses
Six loud fireworks pops
Five golden sunsets
Four shining cypress trees
Three dozen tamales
Two cups of rompope
And a Nativity portal glowing bright
On the twelfth day of Navidad, mi Ticos gifted me
Twelve cheers of pura vida
(A year’s worth of good vibes, laughter, gratitude, and joy packed into one joyful chorus.)
Eleven loins of roast pork
Ten laughing friends
Nine Christmas posadas
Eight beach days waiting
Seven prancing horses
Six loud fireworks pops
Five golden sunsets
Four shining cypress trees
Three dozen tamales
Two cups of rompope
And a Nativity portal glowing bright
This Navidad, whether you’re unwrapping gifts under twinkling lights or watching the sun drift below a Pacific horizon, Costa Rica reminds us that Christmas is really about connection, gratitude, and joy shared with the people who matter most. May your season be warm, bright, and filled with pura vida in every moment.
NEW!
Get your Christmas stories compilation!
There’s a strange kind of loneliness that creeps in when you’re sitting right beside someone,…
Some people give affection the way a lighthouse gives light. Easy. Steady. Natural. Then there…
There’s a moment in every person’s life when they learn the truth about themselves. Some…
Every December, music executives pretend they have a choice. They don’t. Christmas albums show up…
There is a certain kind of quiet you only find when life stops trying to…
I knew things were going downhill when I was placed in a box labelled “Seasonal…