Costa Rica is a primarily Catholic nation, and Costa Rican citizens observe Christmas with exuberance. Christmas in Costa Rica is a vibrant time: a celebration of the season, of lights and music, and of course, family togetherness. Costa Rica citizens often decorate fragrant cypress trees with ornaments and lights. Nativity scenes are a standard Christmas decoration. Offerings such as fruits and little toys are placed in front of the nativity scene. Christmas gift giving in Costa Rica takes place after the baby Jesus figurine is placed in the nativity on Christmas Eve, when He brings presents to the children, rather than Santa Claus.