Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Christmas, cherished for its festive warmth and traditions, is filled with fascinating customs rooted in history. From twinkling trees to sweet treats, each tradition carries a story that reveals the culture and meaning behind the season.
Christmas Trees – The evergreen tree, a symbol of resilience and hope, traces its origins to ancient Europe. Druids adorned their homes with evergreen branches to ward off evil spirits. By the Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians brought entire evergreen trees inside or placed them outside their homes, expressing hope for the arrival of spring.
Santa Claus – Santa Claus, the cheerful, red-suited figure of modern Christmas, is inspired by St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop celebrated for his kindness and generosity. Over centuries, tales of St. Nicholas intertwined with folklore, evolving into the Santa Claus we know today. Coca-Cola’s 1930s advertisements cemented his iconic image, giving the legend a contemporary twist.
Hanging Stockings – This tradition stems from a tale about St. Nicholas helping a poor family. According to legend, he tossed gold coins down a chimney, where they landed in stockings hung by the fire to dry. Today, the stockings hung during Christmastime embody the spirit of unexpected generosity.
Poinsettias – Named after Joel Robert Poinsett, an American ambassador to Mexico, these striking plants became Christmas symbols after he introduced them to the U.S. in 1829. The red bracts are said to represent the Star of Bethlehem. A Mexican legend tells of a boy offering weeds at an altar, which miraculously bloomed into vibrant poinsettias.
Eggnog – Eggnog, a creamy holiday favorite, originated in 17th-century Britain as “posset,” a warm drink made from eggs, milk, and ale. Adopted in the Americas, it became a seasonal staple, enjoyed spiked or plain, as a festive toast to winter’s chill.
Mistletoe – The tradition of kissing under mistletoe stems from Norse mythology. Once symbolizing death, the plant was transformed into a token of love and peace by a Norse goddess. In some cultures, the custom also includes plucking a berry for each kiss – once the berries are gone, the kissing stops.
The 12 Days of Christmas – There is a misconception that the 12 Days of Christmas refers to the 12 days leading up to the holiday. Actually, Christmas marks the start of the 12 days. In some cultures, the 12 days start on Dec. 25, while it starts on Dec. 26 in others. Either way, the 12 days culminate with the Epiphany. “Epiphany” means to show, make known, or reveal, and the Epiphany is when the Wise Men brought gifts to the Christ child, thus revealing him as Lord.
Exchanging Gifts – Gift-giving has roots in both the Wise Men’s offerings to the baby Jesus and St. Nicholas’ acts of kindness. It also reflects the ultimate gift of love and salvation that Christians believe Jesus brought to humanity, making every exchange a reminder of the Christmas season’s deeper meaning.
Holiday Foods – Christmas foods hold centuries of history. English Christmas pudding, once a medieval dish called frumenty, evolved into the rich, flaming dessert of today. In Mexico, tamales – corn dough filled with savory ingredients – represent family and tradition, as loved ones gather to prepare them. Baking cookies, a cherished European custom, symbolizes sharing sweetness and joy during the holidays.
These traditions, steeped in history and meaning, remind us of the shared joy, generosity, and togetherness that make Christmas special. Whether it’s lighting a tree or enjoying a warm mug of eggnog, each custom brings the magic of the season to life.
