By: Ryan Fitzgerald Second Academic

The poinsetta is a popular decoration. In Mexico City, there is one large Christmas tree in the middle decorated in hundreds of poinsettas. A poinsetta is a flower. In Mexican legend, a small boy had no gift to bring to church on Christmas. As he prayed, a plant grew at his feet, bright red and green. This plant, the poinsetta, became known as the “Flower of the Holy Night.”

“From December 16th to Christmas Eve, children often perform the 'Posada' processions or Posadas. Posada is Spanish for Inn or Lodging. There are nine Posadas. These celebrate the part of the Christmas story where Joseph and Mary looked for a room in an Inn. For the Posadas, the outside of houses are decorated with evergreens, moss and paper lanterns.” It's traditional to eat a special cake called 'Rosca de Reyes' (Three Kings Cake) on January 6 th.

Christmas is celebrated December 12 th – January 6 th. On Christmas Eve another verse is added to the Ave Marias, telling the Virgin Mary that the desired night has come. Small children dressed as shepherds stand on either side of the nativity scene while members of the company kneel and sing a litany, after which the Christ Child is lulled to sleep with the cradle song, "El Rorro" (Babe in Arms).

Mexicans eat the dish called Ensalada de Noche Buena. It’s served at a Christmas Eve dinner. They also eat another dish called Tamales. Tamales are cornmeal dumplings. Mexicans eat another dish called Bacalao which is served usually a part of a Christmas feast. Comida Navideña

The children receive their presents from The Three Kings. The belief in Santa is starting to slowly spread in Mexico. Usually children rarely receive gifts on December 25 th unless they believe in Santa. Gifts are usually goods and symbolic items.

Feliz Navidad- Merry Christmas Día de Navidad- Christmas day Nochebuena- Christmas eve Regalo de Navidad- Christmas present El Día de Reyes- The day of the kings (January 6 th ) Árbol de navidad- Christmas tree El niño Jesús- baby Jesus