Christmas on Location - Global

Living in Arizona, I thought I’d seen it all. My first Christmas, I was delighted to watch neighbors bathe their homes, cars and businesses in multicolor lights. Why let 80 degree weather deflate the Christmas spirit? Just be extra careful when you decorate your cactus.

A December trip to Disney’s EPCOT offered a quick lesson in Holiday traditions. As we strolled around the “world” we visited with Père Noël, La Befana, Father Christmas, Julenissen, and St. Boniface. Each storyteller shared the legends and celebrations of the host country.

A few years ago, we vacationed in Mexico during December. Once again, our eyes were opened to some new traditions. Here the palm trees and beach side resorts we’re done up in a mix of festive styles. Our biggest surprise came at a local mall. Beside the bikini shops and T-shirt stores sat a majestic life-size manger display, or Nacimiento. With the overwhelming scent of coconut oil, we had momentarily forgotten it was Christmas. It’s a joy to see that our friends to the south were not afraid to keep a visible reminder that Jesus is the “reason for the season.” As we admired the display, we suddenly realized something was missing, the Baby Jesus! Had he been stolen? As the week progressed, we searched each manger in vain for clues to the missing messiah.

With research we discovered the depth and beauty of the Mexican Navidad experience. Festivities begin on December 16th with the Posadas, nine days of celebrations re-enacting the quest for lodging in Bethlehem, and continue until the Epiphany and Candlemas in early February. Central to the celebration is the nativity scene, the principal holiday decoration in Mexican homes. These elaborate structures are never fully complete until Christmas Eve when the newborn Baby Jesus is finally laid in the manger bed.

Exploring these traditions, I am inspired to display my faith this Christmas in a more public way. Although “Skippy,” our 3' inflatable penguin, is cute and welcoming, he does little to spread the true meaning of Christmas. This year, through my decor and my demeanor, I hope to fully express the joy that God sent to us through Christ.