Christmas Celebrations at SOS Bolivia
A big table for Christmas
Marco* is eight years old and lives at the SOS Children’s Village of Tarija, Bolivia. Since he arrived four years ago with his two older sisters, he has learned how special Christmas time is at his SOS home.
"It's nice because we meet all my SOS brothers and sisters, even the ones that do not live here anymore. The older ones help my SOS mother Jeny with the food preparations, we help her cook Picana – a Bolivian traditional food – and others decorate the Christmas tree, while the youngest ones like me sing a lot of Christmas carols.”
“For dinner, the dining room table is too small! Our family is really big! Because the older brothers arrive with their children. That day I see my SOS mother happy to be surrounded by all her sons, daughters, grandchildren and granddaughters. We listen to music, dance and play until late. Christmas with the family is the best!”
At SOS Children’s Village Tarija, children have a tradition called a Trenzada, or Christmas braiding. This is a dance performed by children and sometimes also by adults, with a four-meter long pole that has a wheel at the tip and 12 hanging ribbons. The children wrap and unwrap the ribbons while singing Christmas carols, accompanied by typical instruments such as the bass drum, the quenilla (a traditional flute) and the violin. Marco enjoys this tradition too, especially because all the children and caregivers are together.
When thinking about what he wants for Christmas, Marco gets a big smile on his face. “I would like many remote-controlled cars and I would give one to each of my friends so we can go out and play in the garden!”
Christmas at the highest SOS Children’s Village in the world
Every year, the atmosphere transforms at SOS Potosí when the Christmas holidays are near. Everyone decorates their homes colourfully and all the SOS caregivers cook traditional Bolivian pastry masitas. As the aromas of fresh baked pastry spread through the households, the Christmas spirit grows.
Luisa* is seven years old and for her, Christmas has become one of the most anticipated times of the year.
“We always spend Christmas with the family and I really like it because we eat masitas, we eat chocolates and we get gifts. But the most beautiful part is that we spend time together,” says Luisa.
Luisa joined the SOS Children's Village of Potosí in 2015. The name of her SOS home in the Village means happy heart in Quechua. She is the youngest in her SOS home and lives with her SOS sister and her three biological brothers.
"My wishes for this year are that I want to continue with my family and I want all the children in the world to have a mother that loves them and takes care of them as my SOS mother cares for me," she adds.
*Names changed to protect the children’s privacy
Canadians wishing to help vulnerable children are encouraged to sponsor a child, sponsor a Village or make a one-time donation. Or, send a needy child a Christmas Gift with options from our Charity Gift Catalogue.