Las Posadas is a celebration in Mexico that lasts nine
days. During this time people throw parties. Their neighbors search for a house to take them, acting out Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. When the neighbors arrive at the party the hosts act like the inn keepers and let them in. During this season many people serve ponche, a fruity punch. Kids break paper mache piñatas. The last night of parties is on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve families gather and finish setting up their nativity scenes by putting Jesus in the manger. Christmas in Mexico is different from Christmas in the United States. Mexicans who have Christmas trees and decorate their home with Santa figurines only do so because of the U.S.’s influence. In Mexico children don’t wait for Santa Claus to bring them presents on Christmas Day. Instead they wait until January 6 when the Three Kings bring them presents. Rather than leaving out their stockings, they leave out their shoes. And, instead of leaving Santa cookies they leave hay for the Three Kings’ donkeys. On January 6th families serve Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread with a plastic figurine baked inside it. The person who bites into the plastic figurine is responsible for throwing a party for everyone on February 2nd. Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a celebration created by Maulana Karenga in
the 1960’s recognizing African American history and culture. Kwanzaa is a Swahili word meaning first fruits of the harvest. Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days from December 26 through January 1, with each day recognizing a different principle. The first principle is umoja, meaning unity. The second is Kujichagulia, meaning self-determination. The third is Ujima, meaning collective work. The fourth is Ujamaa, meaning family. The fifth is Nia, meaning purpose. The sixth is Kuumba, meaning creativity. The last one is Imani, meaning faith. Each night another candle is lit until all seven are lit. The last night is celebrated with a dinner and gift exchange. Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated around the same
time as Christmas. It is an eight day celebration meaning dedication. During the Maccabean Revolt the people rededicated the temple and kept a light burning there for eight days even though they only had enough oil for one night. During Hanukkah religious Jews light a menorah with eight candles. The first night they light one candle. The second night they light two candles and so on until all eight are lit. During this season children play a game with a dreidel and eat Hanukkah gelt, which are golden coins. Parents often give their children presents for eight nights in a row. To find more great, related holiday activities, check out….
