Christmas in Mexico is similar yet different from the U.S. depending on what part of the country you live in. Large cities such as Guadalajara tend to have a similar U.S. like frenzied shopping atmosphere, but Christmas in smaller towns and villages is quite distinct. There is much less emphasis on gifts and more emphasis on the family celebrations and traditions surrounding Christmas. I took an informal poll of my ESL students to see what family gifts they were giving for Christmas and was charmed with the simple answers – a bottle of cologne, a shirt, a pair of shoes, a necklace, etc. – reminiscent of the U.S. years ago. Most of them also indicated that they buy their presents right before December 24, making the last days of the run-up to Christmas a good time to avoid shopping! While the Christmas decorations are up and there is a definite uptick in traffic and foot traffic in stores, there is a notable absence of holiday frenzy in the village.
Posadas
Mexican Christmas celebrations begin on December 16 with posadas commemorating Mary and Joseph’s search for a place for their child to be born. The neighborhood processions composed of children and adults and often featuring Mary and Joseph riding on donkeys go to various houses asking for shelter and are turned away until they reach the one pre-arranged house that accepts them and provides a party with food, drinks, and piñatas.
Today, there are also many variations on the posada for adults and children, which are basically Christmas parties.
Piñatas
At Lakeside, expats are welcome to join in the processions and it’s great fun to sing along with the piñata song as children take turns hitting it blindfolded with various accommodations made by the adults depending on the age/height of the child. Each child’s turn lasts as long as it takes to sing the piñata song.
Dale dale dale, no pierdas el tino,
Porque si lo pierdes, pierdes el camino.
Ya le diste uno,
Ya le diste dos,
Ya le diste tres y tu tiempo se acabó.
Translation
Hit-it hit-it hit-it, don’t lose your aim,
Because if you miss it, you’ll lose your way.
Now you’ve hit it once,
Now you’ve hit it twice,
Now you’ve hit it three times,
And your time is up.
Piñata History
Although today piñatas come in all shapes and sizes, the traditional piñata has seven cones representing the seven deadly sins: envy, sloth, gluttony, greed, lust, anger/wrath and pride. The stick used to break the piñata represents love destroying the seven deadly sins, and the candies and treats that pour out of the broken piñata symbolize the forgiveness of sins and a new beginning.
Like many Mexican traditions, this ceremony is a combination of ancient Aztec and Catholic traditions. The Aztecs celebrated the birthday of the Aztec god of war with a clay pot on a decorated pole filled with tiny treasures and the treasures falling out symbolized an offering to the god. The Catholic church cleverly adapted this ceremony to fit Christian traditions.
Festivity Timing
Mexican Christmas is celebrated on December 24, usually with a large dinner at midnight and stores close early on December 24. December 25 is not a holiday and many restaurants are open and happy to serve Lakeside expats who want a traditional Christmas dinner in the afternoon or evening of December 25.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Happy Holidays to all of our friends from Focus on Mexico and we look forward to seeing you soon! Whether north of the border or Lakeside we wish you the peace of the season and renewed joy for the coming year.
By Bette Brazel, Focus on Mexico Content Manager
Focus On Mexico offers Online Programs and a live 6-Day Educational Programs to Ajijic and Lake Chapala, Mexico. Join us and learn why thousands of Americans and Canadians chose to retire in Lake Chapala. Our programs offer the perfect balance; a wonderful vacation and an insightful, educational experience. Our expert speakers cover all topics: Health Care, Real Estate, Legal System, Safety, Immigration, Assisted Living/Care Options, Bringing Pets, Cost of Living, US Taxes for Americans, Non-Residency for Canadians, Living on the Lakeside, Investing in Mexico, Mexican Economy and much more…
Love the history and traditions you are experiencing!
Hola – I absolutely LOVE your Christmas in Mexico article – thank you! Although I never moved to Mexico, part of my heart is Mexican.
When I think of how close I came to become an expat myself — but my husband George was not ready to give up the many good things we have here at home. Now, about 20 years later, I’m a widow and too old to make such a move, but I still have such wonderful memories about our visits to Lakeside and the Focus group experiences.
And – I recognize the irrepressible Karen in the group photo – what a pleasure!
Greetings to all who might still remember us,
Lilian
I will be 78 in June, and need info on medical insurance and health care options in Lake Chapala area
See our post on medical care in Lake Chapala https://focusonmexico.com/medical-care-mexico/. Unfortunately, insurance options are more limited at age 78, but many older expats choose to self insure since the cost of medical care in Mexico is anywhere from 25%’50% of the U.S. cost, depending on the type of treatment.