Papá Noel
Colombia, everyday
In Colombia Santa is Papá Noel, and Santa Claus is also understood. In many homes gifts are brought by el Niño Dios, the Christ child, rather than by Santa.
Meaning: Christmas gift-bringer (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Papá Noel | Colombia, everyday |
| Santa Claus | also used |
| el Niño Dios | Colombia, tradition |
Papá Noel appears in shops, decorations and cards around December. Many families give presents on 24 December night and tell children that el Niño Dios brought them.
Did you know?
- Papá Noel literally means "Father Christmas".
Examples in context
- Papá Noel llegó al centro comercial.Santa arrived at the mall.
- Los niños esperan a Papá Noel.The kids are waiting for Santa.
- El Niño Dios me trajo un regalo.The Christ child brought me a gift.
Example conversation
Two children talk about Christmas in Cali.
- Sofía¿Le escribiste a Papá Noel?Did you write to Santa?
- TomásYo le escribí al Niño Dios.I wrote to the Christ child.
- SofíaOjalá nos traigan muchos regalos.Hopefully they bring us many gifts.
