Christmas parties: Who to spend it with and how to enjoy it?
One topic that always comes up during December is: who will you spend the Christmas parties? This question is asked among friends, family, and co-workers. In the end, each decision is unique and personal; however, we can’t help but wonder about the best way to enjoy this season, especially when couples often argue over which family to spend it with. An important consideration is that it is easier to organize a Christmas parties in a small family nucleus, with just a couple of casseroles and a few glasses of wine. Of course, the more family (they say), the better. Of course, the more people, it is usually more challenging to reach an agreement. But if you are one of those who love the hustle and bustle, go ahead! We have been continuously asking ourselves if spending Christmas with many people is really necessary; because one thing is for sure: not everyone shares the same story or the same family. Some enjoy spending it with just one person, and others enjoy having a full house. They could have a special banquet where everyone brings a dish and have fun with board games or exciting conversations Some couples have family far away and cannot travel either because of work or other commitments. For them, an excellent option is to stay at home and enjoy a romantic Christmas by candlelight and plan a movie night. In conclusion We believe it is very important to avoid the prejudices that might arise from watching so many movies. Holidays are not only celebrated one way because people don’t behave in the same way. Christmas is a time for giving, yes, but it is not just about selecting the same group of people. We believe that variety is entertaining and interesting, and every year can be different. We encourage you to try something different during this holiday season. Get together with friends you haven’t seen in a long time or spend time with family and the people you choose to love forever.
Try these suggestions to enjoy a different kind of posada
We are finally a few weeks away from celebrating the long-awaited Christmas, and, for Mexicans, the holidays are not only limited to December 24 and 25. If there is a «modern» tradition that we have carried with us for generations, it’s the Winter holidays, and December is famous for its posadas. The posada are festivities that have been celebrated in Mexico since colonial times. Its origin is religious, representing the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary on their way to Bethlehem. Curiously, before the arrival of the Spaniards, the Aztecs celebrated the arrival of Huitzilopochtli during the month of «panquetzaliztli» (equivalent to December), and these festivities lasted around 20 days. The fusion between both customs did not take long to occur, and today we have the punch and the songs and moments with our loved ones that are unique and unforgettable. What also needs to be considered Customs change depending on the generation experiencing them. Therefore, even though we know that posadas are more often held in homes, we love the idea of experimenting and finding new spaces for our posadas, somewhere we can feel in complete harmony. Start by finding a setting that represents you, somewhere you can be yourself and demonstrate all your traditions. Remember that the more amenities available, the better things will work out. In that sense, a private reservation at a restaurant or hotel terrace is a great and intimate way to celebrate your traditions. Why not try something different? That way, this year’s posada will be something to remember. Food is essential. Not only does it bring people together, but it is also a way of showing affection. We have always believed that letting someone cook for you is better than spending all day cooking. Hiring a caterer is simple and offers countless possibilities for all tastes. Don’t forget the dessert! Having something sweet and warm at the end of the dinner will surely bring about stories and good memories. In conclusion Finally, if you want to try different types of ambiance, after singing the traditional Christmas posada songs, you can play some classical music in the background or even folk songs that remind you of people who are no longer around. If you like more modern music, why not give it a try? In the end, there is no rule for celebrating in our country and, maybe, that is part of its charm.
When to start Christmas shopping?
We know that the holiday mood is already building, the change in the weather is in the air, weekend traffic seems to be heavier, and store windows are already displaying their iconic green and red. Only a month remains for the holidays, yet our urban habits often drive us to last-minute shopping. So when is the best time to start your Christmas shopping? Honestly, we think there is no perfect date to go Christmas shopping, mainly because not everyone has the same disposition and available time. If you usually take care of your money, surely the Black Friday and Cyber Monday season (late November) is perfect for you. Of course, there are disadvantages due to the high demand and overcrowding of people in stores. Therefore, it all depends on your personality. If you don’t mind lines, shop early in November; otherwise, taking your time might suit you better. You may not know it, but there are certain days to find more affordable prices; in fact, the brands and stores themselves usually launch their promotions, and they typically take place in December. The best advice we can give you is to contact the store directly or check the official website; you will have much more time to select the gifts. Customer service often provides this sort of information. Another point to take into account Another issue to consider is the originality of your gifts; for example, there are bazaars specialized in the Christmas season that contain unique items at a reasonable cost. Most items are for children, offering unique gifts like a vintage dollhouse or a bicycle. The sooner you make your purchase, the better, especially when it comes to finding the perfect gift. Otherwise, you risk buying something that the person may not like or finding high prices if you shop at the last minute. Lastly, we think making a list is an excellent strategy to speed up your shopping and find something nice. In conclusion Nowadays, shopping options abound: big stores, markets, bazaars, independent shops, or the convenience of online shopping. If you are in Mexico City, we highly suggest you visit the historic center. It is an area where you will find stores and all kinds of gift options; you can also visit some tourist attractions such as the Zocalo, Bellas Artes, the Citadel, or the Templo Mayor.
The best Christmas activities in Mexico City
Don’t wait for Santa Claus, Mexico City has lots of Christmas activities that you can do if you are visiting at this time. Remember these are things that you can only do once a year in winter, so don’t waste your time and take advantage of it all. The Christmas season in any big city is lots of fun; everyone is in a good mood, people are about to go on vacation and fun cultural activities are everywhere. Enjoy this time in Mexico City and if you are here to visit, don’t miss all these options. There is something for everyone. What are you waiting for? The Nutcracker This is the classic Christmas story that enchants every audience. This Christmas the National Auditorium will have performances featuring Mexico’s National Dance company and the Orchestra of the Theater of Fine Arts will be in charge of the music. See it at: the National Auditorium of the CDMX. Tickets start at $ 230 pesos. When: December 18th-23th, 2019. Ice skating The traditional ice rink in Mexico City returns this year at the Zócalo. You will find it just in front of the majestic Cathedral in Mexico’s downtown where you’ll enjoy free skating. This year the city’s government decided on a greener option: acrylic. It is much cheaper to maintain because it does not use the electricity emissions that also harm the environment, it feels the same as skating on ice and the same skates can be used. It is a unique experience for sure. Find it in: Zócalo at CDMX’s downtown, but be attentive because this year the track is movable and may be going to other parts of the city. When: as of December 15th, 2019. Christmas Folkloric Ballet It is a show that features Amalia Hernandez’s Folkloric Ballet. It is definitely a must-see on Christmas. The show is called “Christmas in Mexico” and is a tribute that is divided into three acts in which the ‘posadas’ or traditional Mexican Christmas parties, nativity scenes and ‘pastorelas’ or Christmas performances are commemorated; three of the most popular Mexican traditions. The dancers are experts who will not disappoint you; without doubt this is an event that you can not miss. Amalia Hernández’s ballet stands out because it features dances and performances from different Mexican cultures and traditions, many call it «a living museum». Experience it in: Chapultepec Castle. Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, 11100 tickets may cost up to $ 750. When : from December 25th to January 5th, 2020. Magical Christmas Only in Mexico City can you come across such a different plan. If you are a Harry Potter fan, transport yourself to the Triwizard Tournament and get into your best clothes to attend the Harry Potter-themed Christmas dance. At this place’s Incantatum bar you will be able to dance under the charm of this children’s story, participate in the cash prizes for the best dancing couple, drink a lot of butter beer and enjoy the live DJ. Tickets are already on sale. Find them here. Find it at: Bar Incantatum, Rev. 107 Revolution. Tickets cost $ 250. When: December 19th, 2019 from 8:00 p.m. Christmas Eve in Xochimilco If you want to experience a ‘pastorela’ you have to attend this one in Xochimilco for an unforgettable experience. Start the tour on a trajinera (traditional boat) in the Xochimilco canals at night until you reach an illuminated pier. There you can enjoy a fun ‘pastorela’ for the whole family, an entire illuminated Christmas town, a nativity scene and a 5-meter Christmas tree, all illuminated with more than 200 colored lights. Later that night there will be a light show, many Mexican snacks to calm your hunger, games and souvenirs. It is a perfect event to get to know the trajineras and see Xochimilco’s channels by night, which is a completely different experience. Experience it at: Embarcadero Caltongo, Av. Nuevo León S / N. The cost per person is $ 300. When: December 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. If you want to live the Mexican Christmas experience, don’t hesitate and stay with us at FlowSuites. We have hotels in Polanco, Condesa and WTC, surely one of our locations will be perfect for your plans. Look for offers and promotions on our website www.flowsuites.com or contact us by WhatsApp at +52 1 55 7989 3074. We’ll be glad to help you.
Guadalupe-Reyes marathon. Discover this very Mexican way of celebrating in December
Mexican culture is full of tradition and rituals during December. Find all about them here so you don’t miss any and can participate in the now famous Guadalupe – Reyes marathon. In the 1990s, the Mexican government implemented the Guadalupe – Reyes operation, which consisted of deploying police forces around the city from December 12th, Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, until January 6th, Day of the Three Wise Men, to support security and surveillance. From that date forward, the name of this “marathon” stuck, and now it refers to all the festivities we celebrate from the Day of the Virgin until January 6th. This period is very important in Mexico because it marks the moment that all of the Christmas celebrations in Mexico begin. • December 12th, Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Thousands of pilgrims advance to La Villa to thank the Mexican Virgin. Masses are also celebrated throughout the city and pilgrimages occur from many cities. • December 16th – The Christmas posadas or parties officially begin. They are traditional festivals with rituals such as hitting piñatas, exchanging gifts, asking for a place to stay for the night, lulling baby Jesus and eating and drinking delicious meals. They begin on December 16th because, according to Catholic accounts, it took Mary nine days to get from Nazareth to Bethlehem to give birth. That is why nine posadas are held before the last one is celebrated on December 24th. • December 24th – Christmas Eve (or the last posada). Here the birth of Jesus is celebrated: Joseph and Mary arriving to their destination and surviving their enemies thanks to the kindness of those who helped them on their way. It is a night for a family dinner, sharing moments, praying and making a toast at midnight, which is when Christmas officially begins. •December 25th – Christmas. This day people do not work in Mexico and they enjoy it with their family. Traditionally it is when gifts are given (or sometimes on the 24th at midnight). The typical recalentado or leftovers from the night before are warmed up and enjoyed even more. • December 28th – Day of the Innocent. This celebration refers to all the children that King Herod killed in fear of being dethroned. In Mexico it is a day that is celebrated as the equivalent of April Fool’s in the United States for the innocent children that are easily deceived. A very recurring joke is that people borrow money on this date, so be careful! If you lend it that day, they will not return it to you. • December 31st – New Year’s Eve. This day usually makes for a great celebration. A banquet is served to say goodbye to the old year and the sound of 12 bell-strokes at midnight announces the new year. 12 grapes are eaten along with champagne: one to ask for abundance in each month of the following year. There are also many rituals that accompany the New Year’s party. For example: we fill our pockets with lentils to attract abundance, wear red panties for love, yellow for money, go outside with suitcases to attract many trips the following year, sweep the doorstep of the house to drive away bad vibes and gather a bunch of fresh wheat that represents fortune for next year. •January 1st – New Year’s Day. The first day of the new year, a day designed to rest, keep on partying or recuperate from the festivities from the night before (check out great places to cure a hangover in Mexico City here). • January 6 – Three Wise Men (Kings) Day. This day the Three Wise Men arrive to deliver gifts to Mexican homes. This is when the Rosca de Reyes (traditional sweet bread) is eaten. With this tradition the December festivities come to a happy end. Of course, over the years this marathon has become a reason to celebrate during 26 days. It began as a security operation by the country’s police and is now a party marathon for all Mexicans. It is used to justify (a little) all the excesses that are experienced in December. While the authorities take care of us, we celebrate. If you are going to take part in the famous marathon, we recommend you not to use a car, opt for some alternative means of transportation since there are breathalizers waiting in every corner, there is a lot of traffic because everyone is outside celebrating, and there are always many people buying gifts. FlowSuites is waiting for you with open arms to enjoy this special time in Mexico City, book your trip here. You can also contact us via WhatsApp at +52 1 55 7989 3074 for a vacation that you will definitely not forget.