Christmas Traditions in Mexico Unit Study!

When we think of Christmas, many of us think of snowmen and sledding, of hot cocoa and candy canes. While you’re not likely to find many of these in Mexico, you will find some really fun Christmas traditions!

Last year, my son got to spend Christmas with a missionary family in southern Mexico, and he had an amazing time. He raved about the food (of course!) and told me about some of the different celebrations.

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He’s going back in a few months, so this year, we’ll bring some Mexican traditions home with us. I hope you’ll join us in the fun!

Christmas in Mexico

In Mexico, the Christmas celebration isn’t just a day or two long. It lasts from December 16 to January 6! It starts with Las Posadas (The Inns), a tradition that lasts for nine days. The last night of Las Posadas is Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve.

Then, on January 6, el Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings’ Day, or Epiphany) is celebrated. Children in some Mexican states receive presents on Noche Buena, while children in other areas receive them on el Dia de los Reyes.

And the fun doesn’t stop there! Although the main Christmas celebration ends on January 6, the season officially ends on February 2 with La Candelaria (Candlemas). There’s a lot to celebrate in Mexico!

Christmas in Mexico (First Facts: Christmas around the World)The Night of Las Posadas (Picture Puffin Books)

History Extensions

Mexico has a rich history of different cultures, both native and those who emigrated from other areas. They’re really fascinating to learn about!

The Olmecs were one of the first native cultures in Mexico. They settled on the Gulf Coast, near what is now Veracruz. Learn more about them here and here!
Teotihuacan, the home of the pre-Columbian Zapotec tribe, was the largest and most influential city in the New World during the first millennium. You can still see and learn about this city today!
The Mayan civilization is fascinating to learn about. You’ll find a lot about them on my Pinterest board, but you can learn quite a bit about them here and here!
The Aztecs were also a major civilization in Mexico. Again, you’ll find much more at my Pinterest board, but this should get you started!
The history and culture of Mexico changed significantly with the arrival of Spanish Conquistadors in the 1500s. This one can easily be a whole unit in and of itself (which is on my list to write), but you can find great information and activities here!

Let’s Learn About MEXICO: Activity and Coloring Book (Dover Children’s Activity Books)Off We Go to Mexico The Legend of the Poinsettia

Geography Extensions

Learn about the different states and regions of Mexico!
Geography includes much more than just physical features and borders. It also helps us learn about different cultural groups. There are many incredible cultures in Mexico!
Many of the civilizations in the history section are still represented in Mexico today. You can learn more about them here!

Literature Ideas

The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie dePaola is a wonderful way to help your children understand this tradition!

Also by dePaola, The Legend of the Poinsettias tells the story of how the flor de la Nochebuena became part of the Christmas tradition in Mexico.

The Best Mexican Recipes: Kitchen-Tested Recipes Put the Real Flavors of Mexico Within Reach Pati’s Mexican Table: The Secrets of Real Mexican Home Cooking Nopalito: A Mexican Kitchen Nopalito: A Mexican Kitchen

Recipes

One thing my son absolutely loved about Christmas in Mexico was the food! I actually found a lot of fun new recipes. (There are too many to list here, so the rest are on my Pinterest board!) These are some of our favorites.

The Spruce is always a great resource for cultural recipes. You’ll find some wonderful ideas here!
Mexico in my Kitchen brings some more amazing regional Christmas dishes!