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.