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

Decorations:
- Red and White Poinsettias
- Candles

Traditions:
The tradition of La Posadas begins Christmas celebrations in Mexico on December 16. As part of the procession of the Posada, which means inn, statues of Mary and Joseph are carried from house to house during the nine nights leading up to Christmas Eve to commemorate the Holy Family's search for shelter before Jesus' birth. In some communities, the parade is led by the village children, who are dressed up as angels to plead Mary's case. In others, people dress up as Mary and Joseph to plead on their behalf. Their requests meet with different (though always prearranged) results in different regions. Some communities arrange for Joseph and Mary to be turned away from several homes before finding a place to reside for the night. In other neighborhoods, they are invited to remain in the first house they try, but only after the hosts are told who their guests will be.

In each home of the Posadas, the statues of Joseph and Mary are placed in the Nacimientos, or nativity scenes, that almost all families in Mexico set up. These Nacimientos are extremely elaborate and often depict entire villages, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls around the traditional stable. Some occupy entire rooms, and they are usually collected and passed down from generation to generation.

Once they place Joseph and Mary in the Nacimiento, the dozens of children and adults who were part of the procession kneel to sing and pray to Mary. When they're finished, the house's owners throw a party for all of the participants. Amid bells, music, and fireworks, Mexicans feast for eight nights on tamales, arroz dulce (sweet rice), champurrado (a sweet drink), rellenos, and menudo.

Several things are added to the festivities on Christmas Eve. In addition to Joseph and Mary, a figure of the baby Jesus is added to the nacimiento. Children sing lullabies to help him sleep, then break a pinata to be showered with sweets and goodies. Families go to church for Misa de Gallo, or the Mass of the Rooster. Mexican Christmas Celebrations conclude with Epiphany, when the Three Kings bring presents for all of the children.