December is here, and with it, the Christmas: the most important festivity for a Colombian. And it is that Christmas is a date of celebration, music, tradition and lots of food. The entire country dresses up for a party and is decked out with lights throughout the city. Cities like Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín are well known for their Christmas lights. So, if you plan to come to Colombia at this time, you could not have chosen a better time, because in December everything is a party in Colombia. All ready? Pack some yellow shorts in your suitcase! Now I'll tell you why...

In the month of November, Christmas begins to feel in Colombia, when businesses begin to display their Christmas trees and sell their Christmas decorations. It is not surprising that in this month many people already begin to decorate their homes and buy Christmas gifts. Christmas in Colombia lasts about a month, beginning on December 7 and ending on January 6 with the arrival of the Magi.

The Christmas festivities in Colombia begin on December 7 with the “day of the little candles”. On this night, Colombians leave their houses and light up the streets with many colored candles.

Then, on December 16, the novena of bonuses begins. It is a Catholic celebration where family, friends, and especially the little ones in the house gather around a Christmas tree or a manger to say prayers and sing Christmas carols. This celebration takes place for nine days, until December 24: 9 days of singing, prayers and, of course, food cannot be missed! Some delicious buñuelos and a soft natilla, this typical food accompanies us throughout the Christmas season.

On December 24 we celebrate the birth of Jesus, a very important date for dinner and sharing with the family and where children anxiously await the arrival of Santa Claus or the Child God.

On December 31 we celebrate the new year, and this is where I am going to explain the yellow shorts.

We celebrate the beginning of a new year, and what better way to do it than with your family, your friends, and a lot of customs and traditions, such as eating 12 grapes at midnight and making a wish for each of them, or going out to the street running with a suitcase to attract trips, or keep money in your pockets to start the year with money, or decorate the table with ears of wheat so that there is never a lack of food, or wear yellow pants to attract prosperity, love and money (now you know why). Another event that is customary among some people is to burn the "old year", a doll stuffed with old rags that represents all the bad things you went through that year and is burned at midnight so that they do not repeat themselves.

In addition to all these home celebrations, since December 1 the cities of Colombia are dressed in lights with their renowned Christmas lights. Its decorated and illuminated streets are very attractive for locals and tourists who visit us at this time.

The lights of Medellin They are the most recognized in the country and today they are a symbol of Paisa culture. In fact, the lighting of this city was named in 2011 by National Geographic magazine among the 10 best in the world, so when you come to Medellín you cannot miss the tour.

Finally, on January 6 Christmas culminates with the arrival of the 3 Magi. Legend has it that these three men, named Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar, were the ones who visited the baby Jesus a few hours after he was born, guided by a star to worship him and bring him three gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh, thus recognizing Jesus Christ as the Messiah.

Colombians are lovers of this great festivity, and whatever our religion, we celebrate this time with great enthusiasm and joy.

If you are not a lover of Christmas, I assure you that after you come to Colombia on those days you will be.

So we are waiting for you here. And she remembers: don't forget to pack your yellow panties. See you!