While the American visitor to Mexico during the holidays won’t find much to be surprised by, charming and unique Mexican Christmas decorations still dazzle your eyes. In addition to the basic Christmas tree balls and Hallmark ornaments, our friends down south add some interesting variations.
Curious about Mexican Christmas décor? Then by all means, let’s take a look!
The Star Flower
One easily recognizable Mexican Christmas decoration is the red poinsettia. This plant, native to Mexico, was introduced to the U.S. by an ambassador named Poinsett in the 1820s (so of course he got all the credit — and the naming rights). Now’s it’s a traditional part of our Christmas, too.
Given its red and green coloring (and the fact that it blooms primarily in December), the poinsettia is the perfect Christmas plant, so it’s widely used in household and public displays in Mexico. And then too, according to tradition, the large, star-shaped flower also represents the Star of Bethlehem.
Nativity scenes (also known as crèches) are a big part of Mexican Christmases. Exactly what’s displayed in a Mexican nativity varies according to the household, but most contain miniature scenes consisting, at the very least, of the manger, Mary and Joseph, and Baby Jesus (and the occasional donkey and goat, of course).
Scenes incorporating shepherds and the Magi aren’t uncommon. But don’t look for elaborate scenes of daily life in Bethlehem that are a part of the Spanish Christmas tradition. And especially, don’t look for the Caganer or his buddy the Pixaner — please!
Tree ornaments
Mexican decorations for Christmas also include unique Christmas tree ornaments made not only of glass, plastic, or resin, but also of straw, tin, iron, or even clay.
Straw ornaments usually take the form of little wreaths, candy canes, and the similar simple forms, but the metal and clay ornaments come in shapes ranging from butterflies and mermaids to Santas, cherubs, and angels. These hand-painted little ornaments usually get displayed in varying arrays of color.
The Piece de Resistance
If you feel like beating on something with a stick until candy falls out, then you can’t go wrong with a piñata! Mexican Christmases fiestas are complete with these papier-mâché creations. They come in a variety of festive forms: angels, Santa Claus, flowers, stars, and clowns.
Now, you don’t have to fill your piñatas with candy and beat them up, although sure, it’s therapeutic. They’re fun just to look at; and with care, Christmas piñatas last indefinitely.
So hang ’em high, where the munchkins can’t reach, and your piñatas become part of your Mexican Christmas decorations display for years to come!
