In Ecuador, during the weeks leading to Christmas, the commerce of biscuits, chocolates, cookies, candies, lollipops, among other sugary goodies, increases drastically.
The homes, offices and
educational institutions all
begin buying candy
and goodies for treats.
At local candy stores people come in to search of the best deals for arming their Christmas baggies.
The sales, mainly of animal crackers and
chocolates, increase and the shoppers
buy the treats in weight by pounds.
The most popular treats are the chocolates and biscuits but each year people will innovate
their Christmas baggies.
There are also ready-made
baggies sold, with candies, chocolates and cookies for those who do not want to
prepare their own baggies.
The baggies are a
popular gift, not just for children but for coworkers, employees, family and
friends.
The really lucky ones
will get various bags to enjoy during the Holiday times.
The candy and cookies
are a delight to everyone, no matter the age.
It is a reminder of
the childhood and the treats received before and enjoyed together with family
and friends.
A beloved tradition
for everyone, everywhere in Ecuador.
How to get ready
We prepare the
Christmas baggies together with my son at our house.
It is a wonderful
time for both of us, a time to prepare for the Holidays, listen to Christmas
Carols and enjoy each other’s company.
He usually brings a
friend or two to help and of course they take a baggie home as a prize for the
work done.
Besides the Christmas
music I prepare the Christmas spirit with Canelazos or Finnish Glögi (mulled
wine) that go perfectly with the cookies, candies and chocolates.
For making the
Christmas baggies, you’ll need pretty Christmas themed bags.
You can either buy
them or make your own.
You will also need
candies, cookies and chocolates, preferably individually wrapped.
How to prepare a perfect Christmas baggie
The secret of the
perfect Christmas baggies is to have one third of varied cookies, so there is
enough of them but not too much.
A Christmas bag with
too much cookies is seen cheap but when there are too little cookies, people
aren’t happy either.
Another third is
candies of different kind, with some gummy drops or chewing gum for the smaller
kids.
The last third is for
chocolate, and there needs to be different kinds and flavors also.
Don’t fill the baggie
with just one kind of cookies, candies and chocolate.
The Christmas baggies
should always be a surprise, and the surprises shouldn’t end before the baggie
ends.
How cool! Its kind of like an American Easter basket full of goodies. What a lovely tradition!
ReplyDeleteThat's neat. Is there a specific day that baggies are exchanged or does it happen any time during the holiday season?
ReplyDeleteSchool's usually give them at their Christmas programs but there is no specific date to do that. Different companies also have days when they give their Christmas baggies to their employees. There are also programs that the municipalities and different foundations do and where they donate Christmas baggies to underpriviledged children. Usually it's around the 20th. And like I said, if you are lucky, you'll get various baggies. One from school, another one from the municipality, one from your parents' workplace, another from relatives...
DeleteThat looks like the perfect way to celebrate Christmas! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteThis is so nice.. a beautiful tradition, Children love candies and cookies. They are perfect for holidays.
ReplyDeleteOh that little girl is so cute and these are good pictures.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fun idea! I love this, fun and I bet your son loves the time with you doing them too!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! It's amazing how something so little can make somebody so happy!
ReplyDeleteCool stuff, it's kind of like a Christmas stocking only it's a Christmas baggie.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tradition, similar to the selection boxes we have in the uk but much more personal.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea - to create something like this with the family and then see others enjoy them. Very special.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great tradition x
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice idea. I love to learn about traditions from other places.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I'm big on giving small Christmas baskets filled with edibles. I love this idea of slightly smaller bags for individual enjoyment!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely tradition. I like the idea of splitting baggie for different goodies... everyone will be able to find something they truly love
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant tradition! It's a bit like what we would get in a stocking in the UK maybe? I love the idea of being able to buy them already bagged up.
ReplyDeleteHow cool! This a great tradition!I like the idea of splitting small Christmas baskets with candies and cookies.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work! I love seeing children happy.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Seems to be fun filled and traditional as well. I always like to learn more about different traditions. I am sure many would loved this smaller gift bags.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea and I bet you made lots of children smile x x
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous tradition.
ReplyDeleteLove this tradition - something easy to recreate here
ReplyDeleteooh, I LOVE this. I may have to start this tradition in our house. I have 3 little girls who would love a Christmas Baggie!
ReplyDelete