Christmas Day in Ajijic, Mexico

Feliz Navidad from sunny Mexico.

A few days ago we helped the Pikes (a wonderful N.S.couple) give 22 kids a Posada (party) for Christmas. These are some of the kids we sponsor...the pix of the little girl with Jack and me is Daniella, the kid Meggie, our Grand daughter sponsors. (We do this instead of a Christmas present.....she agreed to this last year) Jack's daughter also sponsors a little boy but he was not able to come to this party.

The kids had a wonderful time. They played games, like musical chairs and balloons around their ankles.....ya know....kid stuff...but the favorite were the three pinatas. More about these later. We had the neighbourhood Mom's make Mexican rice, cole slaw and tortillas. Then we picked up b-b-que chickens and roasted potatoes. These are the BEST. Don't know what they do to the chickens here but ya know what? They taste like chicken. Like chicken used to taste when we were kids! Really. So after we fed 'em we sent them home with bags of gifts. All were happy. Especially us!

Now about those pinatas. I used to think they represented violence and greed....not what we want our children to learn. I was wrong. Here is the real deal:
The pinatas originated in China but travelled along to Europe and gained popularity in Spain just in time for the Spanish Franciscan missionaries to bring this simple clay jar to the new world (Mexico) . OK, OK enough of the history lesson!! But, here is what everything represents:
The clay jar represents Satan who often wears a disguise to attract us and to mask his intentions. Typical male!
The seven points of the star-shaped Christmas pinata represent the seven deadly sins.
The candy in the pinata"s inner clay " represents the pleasures Satan offers man to attract him to the underworld.
The blindfolded person represents blind faith, which is guided only by the voices of others to destroy evil.
The stick used to break the pinata is a symbol of Christian goodness.
The breaking of the pinata symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
The shower of candy and fruit is indicative of the unknown joys and rewards which the good and faithful will receive in heaven.
So there!!
Every home here has an seven sided pinata hanging outside their front door. The plaza is full of 'em too.
Since one pinata is never enough for any event, we had three at the Posada! The larger kids waited until the smallest kids had broken the first pinata. Next were the "middle kids" followed by the older children. There was no fighting. Just joy as each group had fun.

OK enough of pinatas.....more than you ever wanted to know huh?

last night we wandered over to the square and in the church yard there were many nativity scenes set up. This one was different though. Live people, mostly kids, babies and teens AND live animals. Sheep, goats. Really! This country continues to amaze me. The only thing funny about this was the "baby in the manger" was sucking on a pacifier! Don't think Jesus did that!

There is no Santa, so today is a family and religious holiday. Nice. The kids will receive gifts on January 5th. symbolizing the three wise men bringing gifts to the new born king.

Like nearly everything about life in Mexico, the traditions are very different from the caroling,yule logs, stockings hung by the chimney with care and the arrival of old St.Nick.

We have spent the day chatting with family and friends by Skype (VOIP) eating our meals outside, walking little Bijou , Jack doing his art on the terrace and now it is time to think about preparing Christmas dinner. Broiled salmon and tomatoes. Guacamole (which is served as a side dish here as well as a dip) and margaritas to begin. Fresh veggies bought at the street market yesterday along with fresh exotic flowers. (Birds of Paradise....3 for $2.00CAD...yeah really!)
So one set of traditions is not more right than the other-they are just different! What a joy to be able to experience both.
Feliz Navidad everyone. We miss you!

KATE AND JACK IN AJIJIC, MEXICO.

KATE AND JACK IN AJIJIC, MEXICO.

Our Second Christmas in Ajijic, Mexico

It is our second Christmas here and everyday there is something to delight in. We are dog-sitting Barb and Wally's little Bijou and while I was out walking her in the neighbourhood last evening I came upon a delightful scene. As is the custom here,from 16-24December in every village there are daily processions led by little children dressed as "Mary and Joseph" on a donkey, looking for a place to stay the night. It takes place early evening (and this was around six o'clock) that I came upon this group, just one block away. After being refused at several stops, a prearranged spot invites the weary travelers in and then it is PARTY TIME. But first the group sings several Mexican Christmas carols before the door opens. I stood with Bijou for quite a long time before the door opened. They sang at least six carols. Then they all piled into this house where there were pinatas and treats for everyone. Apparently, the traditional foods for this include a fruit punch and bunuelos,thin dough disks fried until crispy and then topped with sticky syrup or cinnamon and sugar. It was delightful to see this simple ceremony. I think Bijou enjoyed it also!

We miss our family and friends so much at this time of the season. There is very little of the commercial aspect of Christmas here although Christmas trees are gaining popularity across Mexico. However, the focus here is on family values and simple joys. The gathering of friends around bonfires in the cobblestone streets for music and dancing is a delight to come upon. I just love it! They cook tortillas and drink tequila and enjoy one another. So different from our frantic rounds of elaborate decorating, shopping, cooking and gift giving. Life here stirs up memories of our own childhood family celebrations and a time when life was simpler.These people live in the moment and celebrate the joy of being together. And that is more than enough.

This afternoon we are giving the children we sponsor, for school, a Christmas party. So I will report tomorrow on that!

Remember everyone.....KEEP IT SIMPLE AND ENJOY ONE ANOTHER TODAY!!
Kate