In Mexico, Christmas is generally celebrated starting as early as December 16th, lasting until early January. Many families, friends, and workplaces celebrate with a variety of types of parties and traditions. In Sayulita, we have already seen the festivities in the plaza for Lady Guadalupe days; displays of fireworks, horse dancing, canons, and live music all began on December 2nd and lasted for twelve days. One of the other most common Christmas traditions we have in Mexico is the “Posada”. “Posada” is Spanish for “inn” or “lodging”. There are nine Posadas which celebrate the part of the Christmas story where Joseph and Mary looked for somewhere to stay. In traditional Posadas, children are given candles and a board with painted figures of Joseph and Mary riding a donkey. They take these clay figures and make the rounds to houses of friends and neighbors and sing songs, similar to how other cultures go caroling. Posadas may also include traditional Mexican cuisine, games, fireworks, music and dancing, and maybe even a gift exchange. Each night a different house holds the Posada party, and the final Posada occurs on Christmas eve.