In a country where many families face daily struggles to meet basic needs, decorating the house for Christmas can be a challenge, but also an act of joy and hope. From Matanzas, the young influencer Sheyla Reyes, known as Sheyreyes03 on TikTok, shared with her followers how she prepared her home for the holidays with creativity and enthusiasm.
In her video, Sheyla showcased the entire process, from setting up the small Christmas tree to inflating a giant Santa Claus that, as she put it, “literally took the life out of me.” She also included decorations from previous years, such as a little wreath for the door and other crafts. “I still have a few things left to do, but I’ll be adding them little by little,” she said at the end of the video, expressing her satisfaction with the outcome.
The video, which has already garnered thousands of views, sparked divided opinions among its viewers. Some users appreciated the effort: “Everything turned out beautifully. God bless you”; “I never had a Christmas tree in Cuba, how wonderful that you can celebrate it”; and “The love you put into it is what matters most. Blessed Christmases.” Others recalled the common hardships on the island: “I spent 21 years in Cuba and never had anything for Christmas in my home”; and “It’s incredible to see these celebrations in Cuba after Christmas was once banned.”
However, there were criticisms. One user commented, "Why inflate it so much if all of that is small," while another pointed out, "The tree is overloaded, but what matters is that you like it." There were also sarcastic reactions: "Put an alarm on that crown, because someone is going to steal it," or "That tree has the same desire to live as people in Cuba."
At the end of October, Sheyla revealed that since she started monetizing her content on TikTok, she has received over $380 in two payments. This income, while modest in other contexts, allows her to access decorations and details that are not common in most Cuban households.
While for some her video is a reflection of creativity and resilience, for others it serves as a window into the ongoing inequality on the island, where many families cannot afford to celebrate Christmas. However, Sheyla remained steadfast in her enthusiasm: “Let me know in the comments what you thought. Kisses, bye,” she concluded, showing that the spirit of the holidays is still alive, even in the face of adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Decorations in Cuba and Monetization on TikTok
How has Sheyla Reyes managed to monetize her content on TikTok from Cuba?
Sheyla Reyes has successfully monetized her content on TikTok by meeting certain platform requirements, such as having videos longer than one minute and achieving a significant level of views and interactions. To date, she has received more than 380 dollars in two payments, which represents a considerable income in the context of the Cuban economy.
Why has Sheyla Reyes' Christmas decor sparked divided opinions?
Sheyla Reyes' Christmas decorations have sparked divided opinions. For some, they are a testament to creativity and joy amidst scarcity, while for others, they reflect the inequality that exists in Cuba, where many families cannot afford to celebrate Christmas. The country's economic situation means that such celebrations are not common for everyone, leading to conflicting views on the matter.
What is the significance of Christmas in the current Cuban context?
Christmas in Cuba is a celebration that has gained more significance in recent years, viewed as a symbol of hope and joy amidst difficulties. Despite economic hardships, an increasing number of Cubans try to keep these traditions alive, using creativity and solidarity to celebrate these special occasions.
What challenges do Cuban content creators face on platforms like TikTok?
Cuban content creators face significant challenges such as limited internet connectivity and the technological restrictions that exist on the island. Despite these obstacles, many young people have found in platforms like TikTok a way to generate income and share their experiences with the world, taking advantage of the growing popularity of these social networks.
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