Christmas Differences Between Mexico and the US

Christmas is finally here after a very long year. Ever wonder how people in Mexico celebrate the holidays? Jim and May compare their own holiday traditions growing up. 

May breaks down the average Mexican Christmas and also tells stories of celebrating at her grandmother’s house. Jim has a German background, so you might also learn a few new things by listening to his “American” version of Christmas too.

But what sticks out the most is definitely that in Mexico, the BIG day is Christmas Eve, which is called “Nochebuena” in Spanish.

Many families celebrate by bringing tables and chairs into the streets in front of their house to hang out together until dinner is served, giving out abrazos de Navidad (Christmas hugs), drinking spiked eggnog, and opening gifts late into the night after dinner.

Meanwhile, in the US, kids wake up bright and early on Christmas Day in a mad rush to open the gifts under the tree. Often there’s breakfast involved and a fancy Christmas dinner. 

After listening to the episode, can you name any more differences? How does your personal experience compare?

Links:

• Christmas in Mexico vs US video
• Podcast Episode 036 – Las Posadas Navideñas Mexicanas
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