Probably, intensive heat is what defines Christmas season in Latin America best, nonetheless, winter decorations can be found all around these countries and even Santa, keeps his typical red costume. Latin American countries have inherited its Christmas traditions from the European colonial times and celebrate Christmas Eve on the 24th (which is called “Noche Buena”) with a big family dinner which ends with the “Misa del Gallo” (Cock Mass at midnight). Christmas Day takes place on the 25th, and commemorates the birth of Jesus; normally people receive gifts and family gets together again at a copious lunch.

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Christmas is coming. Yes, it can sound a bit like Game of Thrones¨winter is coming¨ but the truth is that to many, this is a very scary statement. The biggest spending time of the year is arriving again and without brains it can lead you to inescapable debts. But do not panic; there are plenty ways to have a lovely Christmas season without expending that much.

First of all, set a budget and don´t exceed it. Without a plan it is easy to fall into compulsive buying during this tempting season. Ask yourself: “How much can I afford to spend on gifts, decorations, parties, clothes…?” Always pay in cash and avoid using your credit card. If you use your saving skills, you can also buy on a budget: search for bargains, sales and make use of coupons.

Another very practical idea is to be creative and make your own handmade gifts, for sure they will involve more love and in the end they will be a very personal gift. If you think you are not talented enough, the net is full of interesting tutorials to get inspired and remember that it is never too late to learn!

Furthermore, doing a Secret Santa with family and friends will reduce considerably the amount of gifts you need to purchase. You can buy two nice presents and receive two as well, instead of having to buy nonsense gifts for so many people.

Be careful with children and educate them from the start that Christmas is not only about presents, make them understand that most children do not have the things they have. Combine practical gifts with the absurd ones that they are really dying for, and reduce the latter to just one.

For the Filipinos, Christmas Eve (they use the Spanish ´Noche Buena´ in their language Tagalog), is a very important occasion. As a matter of fact, they have the longest Christmas celebration in the world. In the Philippines you can hear Christmas carols already in September! It is one of the only two predominantly Christian countries in Asia. The Pinoy (as Filipinos like to call themselves) are in general Catholic, because of Spanish occupation during 300 years.

Starting on the 16th of December, there are Dawn-Masses, called Simbang Gabi (Rooster´s Mass) between 20:00 and 3:00. In and around the church Pinoy delicacies are served like: Bibingka, a rice flour cake and puto bumbong, a sweet sticky purple rice dish. Meanwhile they enjoy their coffee, ginger tea or hot chocolate. Some churches even invite people to a snack after Mass.

On Christmas Eve itself, there is the traditional family dinner around midnight, just before or after the Midnight Mass, which of course is held to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Christmas is just around the corner and whether you love this season or loathe it, strolling around the unique and diverse markets in town is a Brit experience that you shouldn´t miss. After all, more likely you´ll need to buy some presents and you can take for granted that markets and fairs are a lot more appealing than Oxford Street.  You can find all homemade unique gifts that you can imagine in a festive surrounding with delicious food and drinks. Here is the top list of markets in chronological order:

1) Southbank Centre Christmas: Nov 5-Jan 11

Set along the river, this is a perfect market to do some shopping while drinking mulled wine and eating a bratwurst plus assisting to the multiple performances and activities. New this year, there will be a Scandinavian Lodge.

2) Hyper Japan Christmas: Nov 14-Nov16

Japanese-culture lovers will find their paradise in this market full of exotic foodies and fashion goods to suit all tastes. Moreover, there is plenty of traditional Japanese entertainment like nail art, martial arts, Taiko drumming and J-Pop music.

3) Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2014: Nov 21-Jan 4         

You can´t skip visiting London´s most famous park, which glows during Christmas season. Apart from buying the traditional German crafts and all kinds of decorative goods you can enjoy the fun attractions including ice-skating and circus!

4) Christmas Fair at Chelsea Physic Garden: Nov29-Nov30

During two days, London´s oldest botanical garden gets crowded with stalls selling quirky gifts, plenty stuff for garden lovers and basically a little bit of everything.  You can drop the kids at some workshop and relax while shopping!

5) Hackney Flea Market: Dec 6- Dec21

A pure festive vintage market where Carol singing and Christmas music happens while shopping. Don´t miss tasting mulled wine and homemade cakes.