A Mexican-American Christmas

Christmas is the time for family, love, faith, tons of food, and spreading holiday cheer.  Along with the many Christmas films and music that everyone is surrounded by this time of the year, such as "Home Alone", It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, "Jingle Bells", "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer", and "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas." The list of holiday movies and music is endless, but are also considered to be an important part of the Christmas tradition. There is no denying that the Christmas holiday brings many people together even the ‘grouchiest’ of them all. Even though these tend to be the most common Christmas traditions it’s important to learn about the different traditions various cultures take part in during the holiday season. Leading to another valuable point, that people of different races, ethnicities, and cultures have their own holiday traditions. These traditions may differ from those you have seen before, but in the end, it brings family and friends together.

Mexican Food and Tradition Intertwine

Well, what happens when you blend two diverse cultures with different traditions? That is the case for many Mexican-Americans who get to indulge in the American mainstream holiday traditions. As well as the traditional Mexican customs making their Christmas just a bit different than the norm. Meaning they have the best of both worlds! I know firsthand about this amazing blended Christmas because I am Mexican-American and grew up celebrating Christmas in this unique way. A Mexican-American Christmas includes the American tradition of building gingerbread houses with the parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, making anyone feel like they’re at a Christmas party. It’s been a Mexican tradition for decades that mothers and daughters prepare tamales for Christmas dinner. Some of these feasts can be as small as 4 people and as large as 40, but one thing for sure tamales are a must! Majority of the time these tamale recipes are passed down from generation to generation, bringing that sense of family in a meal. The women come together and teach the younger generation how to clean the hojas (corn husks), make the masa (corn flour or dough), spread the masa, as well as prepare the salsa and meat to put in the tamale. It creates very special and fond memories when the women learn from each other, as well as laugh when their tia (aunt) playfully pokes fun at the person that isn’t spreading enough masa on the tamale.  

The Mexican Christmas Tree

Decorating a Christmas tree is an American tradition that many Mexican-Americans take part in, but considering how important religion is in Mexican culture, they place a nativity next to or under the tree. Another important blend of Mexican-American tradition during Christmas is visiting one’s loved one at their grave to place a decorative Christmas tree. This is a very beautiful holiday family tradition where they can honor loved ones who passed and make them feel like they’re still an integral part of the lives of those who still live. Visiting the grave is all about that sense of familism staying strong.

More Food, More Tradition, and Christmas Memories

The Christmas party celebration on December 25th is the icing on top of the cake because it ties together all the Mexican and American traditions, from the tree to the tamales to the games played, as well as the Christmas program the children give. There is no better flavor than the first bite of a delicious tamale or the birria (a Mexican dish that consists of a spicy stew, traditionally made from goat meat, chicken or, beef), especially when reminiscing the fun memories of bonding over the preparation of the dish. Dessert is the best because it typically includes tamales de dulce (sweet tamales) and atole (mexican hot drink that consists of flour, pineapple, and other ingredients), which are traditionally Mexican customs. Playing American games like Secret Santa and White Elephant create even more beautiful memories and tons of laughs. Who doesn’t love seeing the surprised reaction when their secret Santa is revealed and when they finally open their gift? I for one loved the memories White Elephant brought me of my uncle opening a feminine gift year after year, or the time when almost every family member is fought over the $5 Starbucks card. Lastly, the Christmas program where the children perform both English and Spanish Christmas songs is amazing, as it shows the younger generation embracing their two cultures.

Not every Mexican-American Christmas may reflect every tradition shared in this article, but, it’s important to recognize that any traditions used to celebrate this time of year is special in their own way. Regardless of what culture you come from traditions are extraordinary because they are preserved by the family as well as the family’s faith. Love grows within the familia (family) thanks to these traditions that are passed down within each culture. All in all what is crucial to understand is that the Mexican and American traditions that are embraced during Christmas are connected because they all unite the family and help them create beautiful, lasting memories. No matter how different two cultures can be the youth is encouraged to proudly embrace their own heritage whether it be one, two, or even three cultures.