Christmas in summer

So because the seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite the seasons in the North, December 25th falls right on the 5th day of summer in Argentina. Weird, I know.

What's more, when I go into stores or supermarkets, leaving the 80 or 90 degree heat with relatively strong to very strong humidity (Buenos Aires, next to a very large body of water), I see Christmas decorations and Christmas things for sale. (yes, they started this early too down here)

I guess Santa, or Papa Noel as he's known around these parts, comes riding in on a surfboard dressed up in red beach shorts with Rudolph monogramed on the side, sporting a white wife-beater tank top, and wearing bright red Crox shoes. I'm not really sure how he makes an entrance.

It really struck me today though, thus the blog entry, when the kids in music class were singing "Silent Night" and "Noel". So much for hot apple cider and earmuffs. Christmas in summer for the first time will be a new experience for me.