In Colombia, the festive season culminates with gift-giving on Christmas morning. Children eagerly anticipate presents traditionally attributed to El Nio Dios (the Child God) or Baby Jesus. This reflects the strong Catholic heritage of the country and emphasizes the religious significance of the holiday. Families often gather for a midnight mass on Christmas Eve, Nochebuena, and then open gifts upon returning home or on Christmas morning.
This tradition reinforces the central role of faith and family in Colombian culture. It instills values of generosity and the spirit of giving, associating the joy of receiving presents with the celebration of the birth of Jesus. While Santa Claus is becoming increasingly recognized due to globalization, the enduring tradition of El Nio Dios maintains a distinct cultural identity and resonates deeply with many Colombian families. This differentiates the Colombian Christmas experience and reinforces religious values within the celebration.