We officially start Christmas on December 7th with the Day of the Little Candles (Día de las Velitas in Spanish), which takes place on the eve of the Virgin Mary's Immaculate Conception. Colombian families get together to light candles and lanterns in front of their houses in order to light the way for the Virgin Mary to bless their homes.

At OSI, we pray the Advent Novena, a prayer that is held nine days prior to Christmas, December 24th, which kicks off the Christmas celebrations. In every office, the teams in charge of organizing Christmas celebrations are called to help organize activities such as sending choirs who sponsor children's foundations to bring Christmas cheer by singing carols and traditional Christmas desserts.

Another characteristic activity of this time of the year is the Manger, where some of our employees and their children dress up to reenact one of the most traditional Colombian Christmas scenes ¿ a symbol of family unity, where everyone comes together to pray and share the message of Baby Jesus' birth with the tiny tots.

Likewise, the Christmas tree is another one of the most symbolic seasonal icons; thus, at OSI, we hold Christmas tree building contests creatively using recycled items, Christmas cards, and decorations, which promote unity and team work among our employees.

A series of activities accompany the programmed Christmas routes, where Directors visit most office branches, located in different companies, sending their Christmas Greetings to all of our employees.

For our employees' families, we hold a Christmas party to spread Christmas cheer with their children and for those under the age of 11, there is a special handpicked gift.

What's more, Sanitas Foundation promotes drives, among our employees, to collect non- perishable food, clothes, and toys, which are given to families and children from the most underprivileged areas of the country or from the places where social projects are currently underway. Volunteers from all over OSI united to collect approximately 200 groceries and 500 presents for Ciudad Bolivar, one of Bogota's most vulnerable and neediest neighborhoods. Thanks to everyone's generosity, we can share with families in need of our support during this special season, reflecting upon our sense of solidarity and compassion, which are the essence of our OSI culture.

In Colombia, it is of the utmost importance to spend seasonal holidays with your family, to spread joy and be thankful, embodying values such as solidarity, compassion and above all, reaffirming our faith in God, the essential core of our country's Christmas traditions.

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