Feliz Navidad

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas
 from La Paz, Mexico

Christmas is the biggest holiday of the year in Mexico and is rich in traditions. It is celebrated in a variety of ways, starting in early December when homes and businesses are decorated with poinsettias, which are called “noche buenas” from the Spanish phrase “good night” (Mexico is the origin of the poinsettia). From December 16 to 24 there are a series of procession called Las Posadas (from the Spanish word “inn”). The posada is a recreation of Mary and Josephs' searching for a "room at the inn." Two children are selected to play the rolls of each Mary and Joseph, accompanying them in their travels is a choir of small children who knock on three or more doors asking for lodging for the weary couple. By previous arrangement, there are no takers. At the last house the procession is invited in. There all the children enjoy a festive pinata party.

Christmas Pinata

The Mexican interpretation of the pinata rests on the tradition of man's struggle against temptation. The seven points on the pinata represent the seven deadly sins. The pot represents evil and temptations. The person with the stick is blindfolded to represent faith. The turning, the singing and the shouting represent the disorientation that temptation creates. As the participant beats the pinata, it is supposed to represent the struggle against temptation and evil. When the pinata breaks, the treats inside represents the rewards of keeping the faith.

Rosca de Reyes

Many Mexicans open their Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve (“Noche Buena”) as well as have a large family dinner that may last all night. There are some families, however, that prefer to wait and open their Christmas gifts on January 6^th, “Día de los Reyes” (Day of the Kings). It is on this day many believe the wise men arrived in Bethlehem bearing gifts for the Christ Child. Dia del los Reyes includes eating of the “Rosca de Reyes”, a ring shaped sweetbread, similar to a bunt cake containing small bits of fruit and candy. One of the special traditions in eating this cake is a small plastic doll representing the baby Jesus hidden inside. The one receiving the doll is responsible for hosting a party on and making the tamales for the “Fiesta de la Candelaria” (Day of the Candles), which is held on February 2nd.

Santa's Workshop where the elves
are counting down the days 

Fiesta de la Candelaria falls forty days after Christmas, and is celebrated as the feast of the “Purification of the Virgin” or as the “Presentation of the Lord”. According to Jewish law a woman was considered unclean for 40 days after giving birth so it was customary to bring the new born baby to the temple after that period of time had passed. Thus, Mexicans believe Jesus would have been taken to the temple on this day to be blessed. It is called Day of the Candles because Mexicans take candles to the church on this day to be blessed. Tamales are the preferred food of the day. It should be noted that February 2nd also marks the mid-way point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. This may be a vestige of an old pagan tradition given that this day has long been thought of as predictor of the future weather conditions. In the United States, for example, February 2nd is celebrated as “Groundhog Day”.

In keeping with Mexican tradition we will spend Christmas with family. Thus, Monday, December

22^nd we will travel to Utah by plane to be with our children. It is interesting to note that it took us 2 ½ months to travel the 1,607 miles to La Paz. It will takes us 3 hours to fly from Mexico to Salt Lake City. After the holidays we will return to La Paz to travel further north to explore the islands in the Sea of Cortez. Until then, we on “Little Lara” are wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  We pray for the Lord's continued blessing on each of you this coming year.

Remember, Jesus is the gift of Christmas!