Out In Town

¡Feliz Navidad!

There are very few times during the year that family gatherings become stressing and chaotic… Christmas is definitely one of them. Shopping for all your family members, preparing dinner for an army, knowing what to buy for that picky relative who would get offended with a gift-card, setting up the table just the way mom wants it ... Xmas is the best!!!

This year my parents were the hosts to the traditional American Christmas dinner Mexican style for my entire family. For us, Mexicans, Navidad is a time to spend with family, keep century-old traditions, remember Jesus’ birth, remember old friends, dance, drink (alcoholic beverages and not) and eat; eat lots of really tasty food. But, now that we are in the US we have added the famous gift-giving tradition as well. Of all the years that I lived in Mexico City, Santa Claus never made it to my house. We knew he was a gringo and that he would never dare to cross over the Rio Grande, specially carrying all those gifts with him. And in all honesty, we did not care. We had the 3 Reyes Magos (Magi) that would come and visit us on January 6th to bring us toys. So, on our first Xmas on U.S. soil we were surprised to see what a big shot this chubby guy was here. Despite the Christmas-less ambiance that you get here in SoCal compared to Mexico City, you literally get all wrapped up on this American art of giving. While in LA you have to walk into malls to sense the Christmas spirit, in Mexico City all you have to do is step out to any main avenue or corridor to feel the Christmas spirit with decorations and lighting all over the place. Since there is not much shopping done for others (except for some work/school gift exchanges) instead in Mexico you shop for yourself. You look for the outfit that you will wear for the Christmas party … not Christmas dinner, but party. Navidad Mexican style comes with piñatas, posadas and pastorelas.

However, as globalization (and immigration) would have it, some of those Mexican traditions have crossed the border fence and made its way up North to Southern California and abroad. This past week I was part of a Christmas service at church where I helped some children memorize and practice Christmas Carols and Villancicos (traditional Xmas songs.) It was really cool seeing them perform their songs. Then, there was a posada – a re-enactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter. Also a Pastorela – a play of the Nativity story. Then finally the piñata. This week I also spent some time with some friends from college I hadn't seen in quite some time. One of them is pursuing a medical degree at USC and has been pretty much living on campus. We laughed and made fun of each other as we remembered road trips, camping times and the like. That night I also headed with another friend to West Hollywood’s Rage to dance the night away. No other way to start celebrating Christmas Weekend!!!

On Friday I started and pretty much finished my Xmas Shopping. The usual spots were packed as expected. On Saturday I ran some last minute errands and finished wrapping my gifts. I headed to the gym and started writing some Xmas cards to give along with my gifts. On Sunday after attending church I helped my mom with some stuff in the kitchen. Since she has no daughters… I’m the closest thing to a female partner she’s got. – LOL Then, family started arriving, we ate, we played some music, the kids were anxious about the gifts, we laughed… we had a good time. My grandmother surprised us with Ponche (a Mexican fruit punch with real fruit)- I hadn't had one in some years. I showed my cousins how to track Santa Claus on the Internet and they were so excited. There is this site that tells you exactly when it is midnight in any country and this helps you “track” Santa via satellite. There are some sightings of Santa and some videos of journalists that make it more realistic. Man, how I just wished I were a kid again! Finally, the countdown was up and we opened our gifts. I got a jacket, one sweater, three shirts, one T-shirt, two sets of colognes, chocolates and like twenty pairs of dress socks. I was really excited about the socks… I so needed some. Santa knows what you need, indeed!!

My family left about 3:30 AM. But, they came back at around 11:00 AM for breakfast and they stayed until about 7:00 PM.

There’s nothing like Family!

posted by Guerrero Azteca @ 3:40 PM