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Feliz Navidad! Check out these Mexican traditions that only come once a year.

Here is a quick overview of the foods, celebrations, and even music, that make the holiday season.

Salma Reyes

Dec 30, 2019

Arizona State University

Feliz Navidad! Check out these Mexican traditions that only come once a year.

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Traditions spark joy and bring life to the holiday season that only comes once a year. Traditions vary from country to country but their message remains universal, to bring people together and make the season special for all. Below is a list of a few of the holiday traditions that are special to my family, as well as to Mexican families everywhere.

1. Las posadas

El Heraldo de Mexico

This festive Mexican tradition is a party filled with family, friends and lots of amazing food. The photo above pictures guests partaking in the tradition of singing a "villancico" reenacting St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary's search for shelter the night that Jesus was born. Some of my favorite Christmas memories have come from times spent with my family at our annual posada!

2. Tamales

On the Go Tours

Tamales are a staple Mexican dish around the holidays. Making tamales is a lengthy process, and getting the taste just right can take years of practice. But nevertheless, coming together to make tamales is worth the wait and it remains a tradition in many Mexican households.

3. Ponche

Photo by Salma Reyes

Another traditional flavor of the season is the piping hot tea called "ponche." This hot tea is infused with fresh-cut sugar cane, guava, piloncillo, cinnamon, as well as a blend of seasonal spices and fruits. Ponche Navideño is a unique drink, but it can be compared to a fruit punch. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and citrus fills the house when this drink is being prepared.

4. El Burrito de Belen (El Burrito Sabanero)

Christmas does not truly start until this song has been blasted from the rooftops. This song, as well as the Luis Miguel Christmas album, is usually playing on a loop in most Mexican households around Christmas time.

5. Buñuelos

Photo by Salma Reyes

These crispy treats are so sticky and so messy, but so delicious. Just one of these sweet treats is usually the size of a plate, so sharing is recommended, but of course, not required!

6. Champurrado

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This thick hot chocolate warms you up like no other. Paired with pan dulce, this drink is truly worth waiting a whole 11 months for.

7. El Día de los Reyes Magos

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This day marks the end of the holiday season in many Latin American households. This holiday, celebrated on January 6th, celebrates the Three Wise Men. On this day, families exchange gifts and cut into the "Rosca de Reyes." As a kid, nothing excited me more than having a taste of Christmas in January!

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Feliz Navidad! Check out these Mexican traditions that only come once a year.

Here is a quick overview of the foods, celebrations, and even music, that make the holiday season.

In This Article:

1. Las posadas

2. Tamales

3. Ponche

4. El Burrito de Belen (El Burrito Sabanero)

5. Buñuelos

6. Champurrado

7. El Día de los Reyes Magos

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It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

You can't just go to your room to take a nap in the middle of your classes.

Having to spend all your extra cash on gas for your car.

Speaking of money, you probably don't have a meal plan so you're forced to scrounge up some change or mooch off of your friends.

It can be harder to maintain the friendships you make with people from class.

Finding a parking spot.

It can be harder to be involved on campus because between your one, two, or three jobs and school you don't have much free time.

When you try to be super involved on campus, it can kill your sleep schedule.

It's impossible to do homework at home, but staying on campus isn't an option sometimes.

There are surveys and events that you can't participate in because you're a commuter.

Group projects are the bane of your existence.

Traffic.

Your backpack rivals that of a survivalist trekking in the woods.

Driving all the way to campus to find a note on the door of your classroom saying class was cancelled.

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1. When he just wanted bacon from his George Foreman grill

2. When he had money (and Jan) issues

3. When he got upstaged at Phyllis' wedding

4. When he unintentionally saved Meredith from rabies

5. When he wore a "bisexual" suit

6. When he had to apologize to Jesus

7. When his GPS drove him into a lake

8. When he had to deal with Ryan as his boss

9. When he couldn't fulfill his most generous empty promise

10. When this happened

11. When he struggled with a X-Mas break up

12. When he had to defend his generosity

13. When he threw a classy Christmas party for Holly but she had a boyfriend

14. When he had to stand up to peer pressure

15. When Toby was "Toby-ish"

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water

Take a Shot

Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel

"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta

"Believe" by Josh Groban

"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

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