12 Days of Christmas

 

We are going to celebrate the 12 days of christmas by learning about a different countries traditions each day.  Yesterday was the first day and we decided to start with Mexico.  I wasn’t able to be here because I had mutual, but Troy did a fantastic job making sure that the kids had a great time.  He took the kids outside to act out La Posada.  Then they came inside and had a fiesta complete with dancing and Tamales!  

Here is what we learned about Christmas in Mexico.

Christmas is called Navidad.

Mexico’s main Christmas celebration is called La Posada, which translates to “the Inns” in Spanish. It is a reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter. Neighborhood adults and children will go from house to house looking for shelter. They will be denied shelter by the first two houses and then the third house will let them in. This will be the host house for that night. The hosts dress up like the Innkeepers and they have a Nativity Scene on display. After letting everyone in they will pray and sing around the Nativity Scene. Then they will have a fiesta including a piñata for the children. Traditionally this is done 9 times (once per day) leading up to Navidad.

The Nativity or the Nacimiento is the center of the holiday décor in Mexico. The baby Jesus isn’t added to the scene until Christmas Eve. They also attend a mass service at midnight where they sing lullabies to Jesus.

Some parts of Mexico do not give/receive presents on Christmas.

Other parts of Mexico receive a small present on Christmas from either Santo Clos or El nino Dios (Baby Jesus). Santa Clause is referred to as “Santo Clos.” He may or may not be a part of Navidad depending on their individual beliefs.

Then on January 6^th they have the Merienda de Reyes where they will receive presents from “Los Reyes Magos”(the 3 wisemen). During this celebration they enjoy Tamales, hot chocolate, and Rosca. Hidden inside the Rosca is a plastic figure of Baby Jesus. Whoever gets the figurine in their piece of Rosca will be the host for the final celebration on February 2^nd called the candle mass day. This concludes the Christmas season and they put away the Nativity.