Holiday Traditions
In Mexico, Christmas celebrations begin with this tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for shelter.
Posadas
This dessert is often made of gingerbread and decorated with icing.
Gingerbread House
In this 1990 movie, Kevin McCallister is left behind as his family travels for Christmas.
Home Alone
This popular Mexican carol sings about "the fish in the river."
Los peces en el rio
This warm, sweet drink made with masa harina, cinnamon, and piloncillo is served during the Posadas.
Atole
This is the plant traditionally hung for people to kiss under during Christmas.
Mistletoe
This fish-based dish is a Christmas Eve tradition in Mexico and other Latin countries
Codfish stew (bacalao a la vizcaína)
In The Nightmare Before Christmas, this character tries to take over Christmas.
Jack Skellington
This song features a "red-nosed reindeer" who helps guide Santa's sleigh.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
The first Christmas card was sent in this century.
19th Century
In this country, people celebrate Christmas with a KFC meal.
Japan
In Peru, this dish featuring pork, chili, and spices is often the centerpiece of Christmas dinner.
Roasted pork (lechón)
This Christmas movie features the line, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
Elf
This famous Hispanic singer released a holiday album featuring traditional Christmas songs in Spanish
Luis Miguel
This country is credited with starting the tradition of Christmas trees
Germany
The custom of caroling originated in this European country.
England
These sweet tamales made from corn masa and wrapped in banana leaves are a Christmas classic in Mexico.
Tamales
The Grinch's heart grew by this many sizes in How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Three sizes
This Christmas song, written in 1944, is often seen as a playful duet about staying warm inside.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
On January 6th, Mexicans celebrate this holiday by eating a special sweet bread that often contains a hidden figurine inside.
Three Kings' Day (Día de Reyes) and the Rosca de Reyes
In Argentina and Uruguay, it's common to celebrate Christmas with this type of outdoor dinner due to the warm weather.
Barbecue (asado)
In many Latin American countries, this sweet, hot beverage made from corn and spices is a holiday favorite.
Atole
In the movie Love Actually, this song is performed during the school Christmas pageant.
All I Want for Christmas Is You
This famous Bing Crosby song is the best-selling Christmas single of all time.
White Christmas
These traditional Mexican plays, performed during the Christmas season, dramatize the shepherds' journey to see baby Jesus while facing comical challenges from the devil.
Pastorelas