Overview
- In Argentina the date is legally non‑movable and, in Catholic practice, is observed as a day of precept.
- Families customarily set up the Christmas tree on December 8, signaling the start of seasonal celebrations across the country.
- The observance is also a public holiday in Spain, Chile, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Portugal.
- Regional traditions include Colombia’s Día de las Velitas with candle‑lighting, Guatemala’s Quema del Diablo, and Nicaragua’s La Gritería on the evening of December 7.
- Media efemérides for the date highlight events such as Las Leonas’ 2002 hockey world championship and the 1980 killing of John Lennon.