By ROSELLA STERN
Copley News Service
America is certainly the land of opportunity
and variety when it comes to Christmas celebra-
tions. Families can cling to the holiday tradi-
tions brought to America by their forefathers, or
they can share in a great wealth of cultural
choices. This year, it might be fun to begin a
new tradition - something from another country.
Mexico has two appealing traditions. The
posadas, or processions, which begin nine days
before Christmas, can easily be adapted to
American culture. Originally, these were jour-
nesy that mirrored the travels of Joseph and
Mary to Bethlehem. They have now become
preholiday visits, with some staying home to
prepare little treats and act as hosts while the
others go visiting door to door. Neighborhoods
organize these evenings before Christmas as
progressive open houses.
Another Mexican tradition especially for chil-
dren is the pinata. Used for Christmas and also
for birthdays, the pinata usually is made of
papier mache and takes the form of animals,
plants or favorite folk heroes.
Filled with sweets and hung from the ceiling,
the pinata is ready for an assault. Children are
blindfolded, then twirled around and given a
stick to break the swinging pinata. Once broken,
the children scramble for the treats that tumble
to the ground.
Many American traditions are actually British
in origin. In fact, the British have been ‘very
merry’ at Christmastime since the Middle
Ages. Charles Dickens’s 19th century version of
Christmas as pictured in ‘‘A Christmas Carol’ is
dear to the hearts of many Americans. From
England comes the Yule log, the flamed plum
pudding, Christmas caroling and the custom of
sending Christmas Cards.
The Welsh were so fond of caroling they
created caroling contests, and now many Ameri-
can communities participate in organized carol-
ing. Grous practice and perhaps dress for the
occasion in top hats or Victorian coats, then sing
for their neighbors in hopes of being invited in
for cookies, punch and other goodies.
The many northern cultures of Europe have
traditions involving light, fire and food at
Christmas. The Danes place a lighted candle in
the window as an invitation for stranger to join
them. At Christmas Eve dinner the Julesbaal, or
Yule log, is brought into the house and lit in the
hearth. Many traditions surround the dragging
of the log out of the forest; the youngest son
often ‘‘rides’’ the log as it’s transported.
Another tradition from Scandanavia is the
feeding of the birds in the winter snow.
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