Christmas in Mexico + The Poinsettia
Feliz Navidad, friends! Today we head south of our border; click here to learn more about Christmas in Mexico!
Did you know that we can thank Mexico for the famous red plant we see throughout the Christmas season? It grows wild there. In 1829, U.S. ambassador of Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett came back with them and the beautiful red and green plant/flower became very popular!
December 16 happens to be the first day of Mexico‘s most important Christmas tradition: Las Posadas!
Posada means inn or lodge, and this 9-day ritual remembers Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem.
Every night until Christmas Eve, fam and friends take part in a processional pageant where they seek shelter. A couple children get to carry Mary and Joseph at the front of the procession while the rest of the “travelers” carry candles. They walk house to house and sing a song requesting lodging but are turned away; eventually they arrive at a house where the “innkeeper” recognizes them and invites them in (each night, a different house hosts the evening’s posada party).
Children especially love this custom as there are special foods like bunuelos and Mexican hot chocolate, firecrackers, and … pinatas!
The final night of Las Posadas is called Noche Buena, and Baby Jesus is placed in the nativity scene. Mexicans usually go to Midnight Mass.
Christmas Day is relatively quiet compared to the previous 9 days but families will get together for a delicious meal.
Traditionally, presents are not given until January 6th (Epiphany) but nowadays families are adopting the Western custom of giving gifts on December 25th as well.
Books to Read
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The Legend of the Poinsettia tells the legend of how the poinsettia came to be but most importantly shares a story to illustrate that a gift from the heart – no matter what size – is what matters.
Nine Days to Christmas gives readers a sense of excitement and anticipation for the Las Posadas tradition, through the eyes of a little girl who is finally old enough to lead the procession.
Crafts to Make
A great activity to go with today’s country is to make some sort of poinsettia craft! Here is a website with 20 fun ideas.
Food to Eat
A fun lunch idea to go with today’s country is enjoy some Mexican food. You can treat your kids to an outing to a local Mexican restaurant or you can prepare your own meal at home. Our family really enjoyed the simplicity of tamales we purchased from a neighbor, with a side of home-made bunuelos, all washed it all down with Mexican hot chocolate!
To make your own bunuelos all you need to do is fry up some tortillas in a pan, sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar, then cut them into triangles (or you can cut them into triangles before frying them)!
