Christmas Time by Mercedes Godoy

CHRISTMAS TIME

by Mercedes Godoy

published in 1919

       The Christmas tree, the children's delight in the United States, is sometimes used in Mexico, but the " nacimiento," or birth of Christ, is the typical Christmas amusement for the Mexican children.

       The figures of the child Jesus, the three Kings, St. Joseph, the Virgin, shepherds, and animals are made by the Indians in clay or wax, painted in brilliant colors. These are placed on a table or platform where a representation of the stable at Bethlehem is arranged, with moss and green to simulate hills, trees, and roads, while by using mirrors, lakes or ponds are shown. Scattered here and there are tiny houses, huts, and the shepherds and animals, the whole being illuminated with candles or electric lights.

       Some of these " nacimientos " are very artistic and elaborate, and are really worth seeing.

       The " posadas " are evening parties given for a period of nine days at different friends' houses, the last being on Christmas day. When the invited guests meet at the house where the "posada" is held, they go in a procession accompanied with music, singing and carrying the child Jesus, as if they were asking for posada or lodging for it. Another group is stationed at one of the parlors and behind closed doors. They also sing some hymns and after a time the door is opened, and those seeking the posada are admitted. After this there is dancing and supper is served. A tray is also passed around with pretty souvenirs filled with candies for each guest, this being a feature of the " posada." Sometimes a "pinata" is broken. This is an earthen jar decorated with tissue-paper in all colors and shapes and filled with candies, nuts, and all kinds of sweet- meats. Each person or child in turn is blindfolded and with a stick tries to break this pinata," but many times they miss it, or lose their way and go in another direction, so the rest have to run and get out of their way, or surely they would get a good hit on their head or body. When finally some one breaks the pinata, all rush and shout and try to get most of the candies and other things, these being quickly picked up from the floor by all participants. This amusement is nearly always used in all children's parties and I remember that I enjoyed it very much for its good fun.

       Perhaps it is unnecessary for me to say that on Christmas eve the churches are crowded with people who go to the midnight mass, as is the case among the Catholics in the United States. In some instances there is a family gathering at the homes of those who have been present at the midnight mass, but of course  while a child I had to forego this on account of the lateness of the hour when it was given. Furthermore these reunions are usually only for older persons.

       Presents are given on New Year's Day to the grown-up persons and toys and other gifts to the children on Kings' Day, January sixth. The Kings are the Mexican Santa Claus and are supposed to bring toys to the little ones. On that day a party is given for children, a large cake being placed on the table, in the center of all the other sweetmeats. This special cake contains a bean, and if a girl gets it she is the queen and selects a king from among the boys present, while if, on the other hand, the bean falls to a boy, he chooses the queen, and I was that lucky person at one of these parties that I attended. The king is supposed to give a few days later a party or picnic to all those who had attended, so of course we children loved this party, as in reality it meant two parties.

       Whenever we were in the United States we had our Christmas tree and Santa Claus would always fill our stockings, so I know both Christmas celebrations, Mexican and American, and like them both immensely.

       "In the Mexican Christmas tradition known as Las Posadas, participants re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem on each of the nine nights leading up to Christmas (from December 16th until the 24th). The song known in Spanish as "Canto Para Pedir Posada" is a vital part of the tradition. The title means "song to ask for shelter." and it recreates an imagined conversation between Joseph and an innkeeper in which Joseph explains that he and his wife need a place to stay for the night and the innkeeper initially refuses."