Costa Rica, a country of Central America, covers an area of 19,730 square miles. The capital is San José. Extending from northwest to southeast, Costa Rica is bounded on the north by Nicaragua, along its 185-mile northeastern coastline by the Caribbean Sea, on the southeast by Panama, and along its 630-mile southwestern coastline by the Pacific Ocean. Coffee is a large part of the the society of Costa Rica. Coffee has been around for more than one thousand years in the society. Also, the country of Costa Rica is known for the flowers that are grown because the tropical weather allows the flowers and nature to prosper. Costa Rica played a role in the federation of Central American states from 1823 to 1838 and is a member of the Organization of Central American States. Of the states that have been partners in these two enterprises, Costa Rica is the most Spanish in character and is generally regarded as having the most stable government and economy.
In Costa Rica, Christmas is a very special holiday for the citizens because it is a time for the citizens to come together and spend quality time with their families. A few days before Christmas, the Christmas tree is placed in the home. It is painted white and may be a small Cyprus tree or dried branches from the coffee plant. It is decorated in a homemade fashion with small figurines, lace ornaments and brightly colored strips of paper. The gold star of Bethlehem crowns the tree. The night before Christmas some Tico children will place their shoes out for the Christ child to fill with treats and small gifts. On Christmas morning, those children are asked, "What did the Baby bring you." The children are the most important during the holiday of Christmas because they are proven to be the most happiest around this time of the year. In December the children are let out of school until February and they get to enjoy their vacation through the holiday because they are presented with gifts, money, and food.
The