This week we started our Christmas Around the World theme. Of course, we started our journey in our very own country, Canada, where we discussed our own traditions and made sure our passports were ready to go for our next day of travel. Typically, most of us hang stockings above the fireplace, put up a Christmas tree with lights and ornaments, put lights around the outside of our house, have a wreath on our door, and open up presents from family, friends, and Santa on Christmas morning.
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Today, we 'flew' to Mexico on Christmas Airlines. Upon 'landing', we sang the song "Feliz Navidad". Many of us already knew the words but it was great to make a connection that 'Feliz Navidad' means 'Merry Christmas' in Mexico's language, spanish. In Mexico, holiday celebrations begin on December 16th and end February 2nd.
Guess what!? Although Santa Claus (or Santo Clos in spanish) is a part of the holiday celebrations in Mexico, for most children, it is the Three Kings who bring presents on January 6th. On the evening of January 5th, the children lay out their shoes by the windowsill before they go to bed. When they wake up in the morning, they find their shoes filled with presents from the Three Kings.
After that, we read the book, 'The Legend of the Poinsettia', which is a story about a little girl named Maria, who lived in a poor family in a house in a small village in Mexico. In Maria's village, it was a custom in the village to glorify the Christmas season with special events to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, Jesus. On Christmas Eve, all of the villagers lined up with something to give. Maria was very sad because she couldn't afford to buy anything. But a voice from above spoke to Maria: "The baby Jesus will love whatever you give because it comes from your heart. Love is what makes any gift special." Maria grabbed a few weeds and carried them over. Without even noticing, the weeds grew beautiful red flowers, shaped like stars. Maria's love had created a miracle! It created the POINSETTIA!
With that, we made our own Poinsettias to add to our 'Christmas Around The World' Scrapbook.
We also learned about Las Posadas. Las Posadas is a Christmas celebration in Mexico. It lasts 9 nights and goes up to Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). People dress up like shepherd or angels and walk in a parade, carrying candles. They pretend to be looking for a place to stay (like Joseph and Mary). They knock on doors and ask to come inside. We made a connection here-- we have Christmas Carolers that walk the streets, knock on doors, and sing carols to friendly neighbours.
Last, but definitely not least, we got to participate in Mexico's best traditional activity: the Piñata!
We wish we had time to do this in class, but instead, we are sharing the instructions on our Blog on how to make your own Piñata. If anyone tries this at home, we would love if you could share a picture of it with us! :)
FELIZ NAVIDAD!
-- Division 10
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