Just because Mexicans cannot celebrate a white Christmas like those in New England, does not stop those in Mexico from having a memorable Christmas full of traditions, excitement, and recollections. In Mexico Christmas is not a one-day event. Instead, it is an event that takes around two weeks, starting with Las Posadas. This is a nine consecutive day event of parties and a candlelight procession. Also during Las Posadas many villages perform plays to reenact the birth of Jesus. Las Posadas is an active way to teach children about Jesus and why we all should be so thankful of what he sacrificed.
Just like in the United States, Mexico finds decorating helps keep alive the spirit of Christmas. Due to this in most Mexican homes you will find a major display that may fill an entire room or also may be placed in front of the house for neighbors to view. This display is a visual reenactment of the birth of Jesus. However, not until Christmas Eve is the baby Jesus placed into the display for others to view. There is one major difference in the decorations of The United States Christmas and Mexico's. That is the Christmas tree. In Mexico pine trees, those used for Christmas, are not easy to come by and are usually a sign of luxury. Due to this Mexican homes will have an arbolito, which is a little tree and is usually artificial.
On Christmas Eve, Mexicans go to a late mass then go home for supper where they might have a variety of different foods just like in the United States. This might be anything from turkey and ham to tamales and bacaloa. Obviously, this depends on what the family can afford and what they are willing to sacrifice. After dinner family open gifts. Children have fun with piñatas and sparklers while the adults enjoy their Ponche Con Piquete. This is a hot beverage made from seasonal fruits. Christmas Eve is celebrated very late into the night and early into the next morning.
