Pressure starts to build in late September, when businesses battle for a share of the market with TV advertising, often aimed at children. Shops are soon full of decorations and expensive things are apparently within reach of everyone.

The expectations can be unbearable for those with little or no income and no social security. That’s when the guaro helps you to forget what you really wanted Christmas to be like for your family this year. There is a marked increase in domestic violence in the shanty towns around Christmas. Guaro is one of the biggest reasons.

Of course, it is not supposed to be like that. Christmas is supposed to be peace and goodwill. A time to celebrate the greatest Gift of all, which was freely given. Educación Plus activities bring something of the real meaning and happiness of Christmas to the children we work with, and in doing so also take some of the pressure off the adults.

Parties
Every year, Educación Plus holds parties for a total of around 530 children in the three shanty towns where we work; Los Guido, Pavas and San Felipe. They are usually held in one of the local big church buildings or a school gym that is lent to us for the day.

The children enjoy singing and games before the traditonal meal of chicken and rice, followed by ice cream or Christmas cake. After a pause to think about the real meaning of Christmas, each child receives a valuable personal gift, chosen according to gender and age. For many, this will be the only Christmas gift they receive. They are then given a large red apple, also part of the Christmas tradition in Costa Rica, to take home. Not many apples make it that far!.