It was three weeks before Christmas, and Juan was so excited. He lived in a small town in Mexico, and his town really celebrated Christmas. Market stalls called "puestos" were being set up all around town. These "puestos" sell things like cheese, fruit, nuts, and holiday flowers such as poinsettias. Not only did he see the "puestos," but he was also seeing manger scenes, or "nacimientos," in not only his house, but all of his friends houses too.
Juan could hardly wait until December 16th because that is when "La Posada." was going to begin. He loved it when his whole family including his aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents all got together to walk through the town in processions. Noche Buena is celebrated on the last day of the procession. This is where the big parties take place. Nothing, however, was more fun than the piñata. Juan, his brothers, sisters, cousins, and all the kids in his family, always loved this Mexican tradition because it was so much fun to see who would break the piñata. Juan was really hoping it would be him this year.
The piñata was not the only time that he received gifts during the Christmas season, however. At Juan's house, his family gave gifts on January 6th. This day is called, "Dia de los Reyes" (Three Kings Day). It is the last celebration of the Christmas season. Juan, his brothers and sisters, put out their shoes on the 5th, and the next morning, they find presents in their shoes.
Some Christmas Recipies:
tamales:http://www.azstarnet.com/~irened/tamale.html
Mexican Wedding Cookies:http://www.virtualcities.com/~virtual/ons/va/f/vaf37016.htm
For More Information:
http://www.the-north-pole.com/around/mexico.html
http://www.christmas.com/html/mexico.html
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/christmas.html
