Traditional Christmas Greeting: "Felize Navidad"
Location: Central America
Tree Type: Cultural

Decorations:
- Wooden boxes
- Pictures of Guatemalan children

Traditions:
The procession of the posada begins most Guatemalan Christmas celebrations. Nine days before Christmas, statues of Joseph and Mary are paraded from house to house as fireworks explode, drums beat, and carols are sung. Joseph and Mary reside in a different home for each of the nine nights to reenact their search for shelter before Jesus' birth.

During their time in each house, the statues of Joseph and Mary stay in or near the nacimientos, or manger scenes, that are a traditional part of almost all Guatemalan households. The figure representing baby Jesus is never added until Christmas Eve, when the last house of the posada throws a party for everyone who has been involved with the procession. Guests at the parties can eat treats like hot tamales and punch while they enjoy music and dancing. Once the party is over, many Guatemalans attend mass, sometimes the Misa de Gallo, or Mass of the Rooster. Young children usually receive their presents the next day, while adults wait until New Year's Eve to exchange their gifts.