Hi Ronald,
Costa Rica is mostly Catholic – so religious celebrations play a large role for many. But Christmas is also a time when families take vacations, usually to the beach. So beach areas around the country are very crowded.
Increasingly Costa Ricans are decorating their homes with lights and Christmas trees – and Santa Claus is becoming popular as well.
Every year in December employees by law receive a “13th month” of pay as a bonus – just in time for holiday shopping.
A traditional dish is the tamale – eaten on Christmas Eve.