Christmas is much different in Mexico than in the United States. Of course, different people celebrate differently in the States, as well, often depending on their religion. In Mexico, though, people are mostly Catholic, but with a little indigenous worship thrown in. (I’m told.)
Since Mexico is poor compared with the US, I hardly need to mention that the celebration is less commercial. In many families, even in the relatively prosperous Lake Chapala area, Christmas is about family. It’s not uncommon for a family to have no money for Christmas presents. Plus, Mexicans—at least the older ones—take their religion very seriously.
Because a lot of gringos live here, there are a few houses with lights, but besides a string of lights here and there, I haven’t seen any outside decorations, certainly none of the over-the-top scenes that one sees on rooftops in the States.
Christmas bonuses are required in Mexico—even for a tiny employer like me. Workers receive two weeks of vacation pay and two weeks of bonus pay. An entire month of pay. It gets expensive; this year it cost me $300 US. All in all, though, it is still a wonderful luxury to have a maid, a gardener, and a dog walker.
Posadas
For about a week in mid-December, there are posadas. Groups of adults and children go from house to house—all predetermined—asking to be let in for refreshments. They are turned down until the last house, where they enter and have a big party. That’s my take on it anyway.
Noche Buena
Christmas eve is a night of celebration in the Lake Chapala area. Church is at 7:00 pm, and sometimes there is a live nativity scene outside the church in the courtyard. Later, families gather in their homes—or outside, blocking off their streets. Usually, dinner is at midnight. Sometimes people build bonfires and stay up all night. On Christmas Day they rest.
