Researchers from Genial & Quaest consulting firm found that 21 percent of Brazilians might face altercations about politics within the family, especially the issue of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva versus former president Jair Bolsonaro.

The bickering may hamper the festivities, even a year after Lula’s close election victory has passed.

Among those interviewed, 10 percent believe that political disagreements were important for some to decide not to meet with family members during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Similarly, six percent said they knew a relative who did not go to Christmas gatherings because of political issues or quarrels.

The researchers also found that the fear of family quarrels is greater among younger people.

Among those between 16 and 34 years of age, 23 percent fear that the meetings will end in a quarrel, compared to 20 percent of those between 35 and 59 years of age, and 18 percent among older people.

Christmas is a date much commemorated by the Brazilian people. In the country, the habit of giving gifts to friends and relatives prevails.

Even co-workers often celebrate Christmas. In companies, workers organize a party called Secret Santa, where presents are exchanged and children usually wait for Santa Claus, a legendary character originating in Western Christian culture.

The Christmas celebration is one of the most important sales periods in Brazil just like in many other countries, where supermarkets usually profit from the date, as the people have the tradition of organizing dinners with typical food.

Each region of the country has a different way of commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity.

Christmas Day, December 25, was stipulated by the Catholic Church in the year 350 through Pope Julius I, being later made official as a holiday.

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