Last Saturday, on December 20th, in a remote river community in the Amazonas state of Brazil, Santa Claus did not drive his reindeer sleigh, but instead traveled by boat along the tributary Negro River, slowly entering the area to deliver gifts and holiday blessings to the children there.
The event was organized by the Brazilian charity group Friends of Santa Claus. Since 1998, the organization has arranged for Santa Claus, dressed in traditional Christmas attire, with the help of a group of volunteers, to distribute Christmas gifts to children in rural communities of the Amazon Rainforest on the eve of Christmas.
In fact, wearing the Santa Claus costume in the sweltering heat of the Amazon Rainforest is no easy task. Apart from the weather conditions, reaching the villages is also extremely challenging. Firstly, one needs to board a larger boat down the Amazon River and midway switch to a canoe, navigating through the swampy tributaries.
Local residents mentioned that for families living in remote areas, many cannot afford to take their children to the city. Therefore, the personal visit of Santa Claus bringing holiday joy and gifts right to their doorstep is truly a blessing for the children.
Overall, this initiative by Friends of Santa Claus has been bringing cheer and spreading the Christmas spirit to the children in the Amazon Rainforest communities for years, highlighting the joy of giving and spreading happiness during the festive season.