Las Posadas | Make Room for Jesus

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Las Posadas | Make Room for Jesus

Inspired by Las Posadas, the Make Room for Jesus activity is fun and meaningful for all ages.

Las Posadas, in Spanish meaning, “The Inns”, is a time honored sacred festival celebrated in Mexico and some parts of the United States between December 16 and 24. Las Posadas commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of anyone who would make room for Jesus.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” LUKE 2:7

Each evening, during the Las Posadas festival, a procession of children walk through town dressed in silver and gold robes carrying lit candles and images of Mary and Joseph riding a donkey. Adults, including musicians, follow the procession.

They visit selected homes and ask for lodging for Joseph and Mary. Traditionally, the procession is always refused lodging, though the hosts often provide refreshments. At each stop, passages of scripture are read and Christmas carols are sung.

Mass is held each day after the Las Posadas procession. At the conclusion of the service, children break open piñatas filled with candy, toys, and occasionally money. The piñatas are usually crafted in the form of a star, as a symbol of the star that guided the wisemen to the newborn Jesus.

Check out more ways to be Mindful of Others’ Holiday traditions

Printable | Make Room For Jesus

CELEBRATE LAS POSADAS IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME

During this season of joy and celebration we have an opportunity to experience the traditions that our families have passed down for generations as well as create new ones.

Many times these traditions tell a story – stories of miracles, stories of overcoming challenges, and stories of new beginnings.

What better way to appreciate our own rich family heritage than to learn about the Holiday traditions of others and the stories behind them.

In this way we can connect more fully with the people around us and embrace how diversity enriches our lives.

Ya never know, once you understand the meaning behind them, you may introduce an age old tradition into your own family festivities.

More Las Posadas Tradition

Activities, Recipes, Crafts and More for all the festive fun

Activity | Learn to say Merry Christmas in spanish

The Holidays bring people from all over the world together in spirit and in truth. Across the span of countries, cultures and language barriers that separate us, there is a bridge that connects us. The bridge of truth that unites us all as one people, one family and one heart.

One of the most beautiful gifts we can give this holiday season is greeting our neighbor in love and in their native tongue.

Have fun with this activity! The next time you are out and about, spread joy and love with this simple phrase.

Recipe | Mexican Hot Chocolate | by Isabel Eats

Spice up your hot chocolate experience this Christmas with Mexican hot chocolate.

Have you ever thought about adding chili powder or cayenne pepper to your cocoa? Me neither!

No matter if you’ve been naughty or nice, this recipe is the perfect blend of cinnamon and spice.

Don’t stop at this sweet taste of Mexico. Meet the chef, Isabel, and check out her smorgasbord of Mexican cuisine, including flan, tamales, ponche and lots of other mouthwatering treats.

Meet the Chef - Isabel - Check out her smorgasbord of Mexican cuisine

CRAFT | DIY PINATA | by Pompoms et Macarons

Make your own star-shaped piñata for the final destination of your in-home Las Posadas festival.

The wisemen followed the star to find Jesus. It is Mexican tradition to hang a star-shaped piñata, stuffed with candy and toys, for the children to enjoy at the commencement of the Las Posadas procession.

Learn more about Las Posadas in our Make Room for Jesus activity.

This DIY instructional by Pompoms et Macarons is written in Spanish, but don’t let that deter you. The pictures will walk you through step by step and hey, maybe you’ll learn a little Spanish along the way!

The piñata instructional is for a pull-string piñata. With a minor tweak, you can make this a piñata that the children whack at with a stick until it busts open.

Here’s the tweak: Instead of long strips of heavy duty tape to close the sides. Use several 2-3 inch strips of masking tape around the edges about 1-2 inches apart.

Now all you need is something to hit the piñata with. Try a wooden bat. I’ve heard a broom handle works best. So now you’ve got everything you need for a beautiful and truly memorable holiday tradition. The only thing that could make it better is sharing it with neighbors, friends and family. Maybe you’ll even make new friends by being Mindful of Others’ Holiday Traditions.

Check out more ways to be Mindful of Others’ Holiday traditions

Sing-a-Long with Aunt Becca

We want to wish you all a Merry Christmas with this fun sing-a-long.

Did you know the songwriter Jose Feliciano’s bilingual hit, “Feliz Navidad” first appeared in 1970, making it one of the oldest Christmas hits still trending today?

Feliz Navidad – Jose Feliciano | Sing-a-long with Aunt Becca on BSC Instagram Reels

Must Read | Holiday Stories of Mexico

These books are wonderful stories that honor the Mexican holiday traditions. Being Mindful of others’ cultures and traditions builds our children’s empathy and broadens their worldview.