Alicia Woodhouse submitted this great information on how she celebrated Christmas as a child in Mexico. Please read, share and enjoy.
In Mexico we don’t do presents like we do in the USA for Christmas.
Christmas in Mexico starts being celebrated with “Las posadas” which means “The Shelter” and it is to re-enact Joseph and Mary searching for a place to stay in Bethlehem. It usually takes place in neighborhoods at different homes each night or at a church.
Two individuals play Joseph and Mary, they lead the procession to the home who’s hosting the “posada” that night, we sing a song about asking for a place to stay, people inside the “posada” will deny entry but eventually let them (and all the others) come in, that is followed by prayers, song of worship, eating and last but not least a “piñata”
On the 24th ALL the family gathers and share with friends who may not be celebrating at home, eat dinner and stay up until midnight, at that time we may read the story of Jesus being born, sing songs. There used to be no presents back when I was growing up, nowadays we may exchange gifts.
The FUN part for Mexican children comes on Epiphany which is on January the 6th, the night before, kids write a note to “Los Reyes Magos” “The Three Wise Men” which is left inside their shoes where the Kings/Wise Men can see it. The next day you will see all the children playing out on the streets with their new soccer balls, baby dolls and all kinds of toys. It is really a MAGICAL time!
I really like how is tied up with the bible stories about The Three Kings bringing gifts to Baby Jesus.
And that, my friends is how I celebrated the Christmas season in Mexico and I have tried my best to keep this tradition alive with my children.
Thanks for reading,
FELIZ NAVIDAD!!
