15 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 13, 2023 TRUE ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION Over 20 Years Experience Serving Mobile Homes & Park Model Owners In Area Parks Valley-Wide • Vinyl Siding • Roofing – Metal or Composite • Patio Covers • Decks • Car Ports • Additions • CustomKitchens&Baths • Windows & Doors • Underbelly Insulation • Flooring • Window Awnings 956-884-1688 w w w . t r u e r o o f i n g . n e t FREE Roof Inspection Call Today For Your Free Estimate Call Mark Anytime At 956-357-1048 WE WANT TO BUY YOUR TRUCK•CAR•SUV•VAN RVTRAVELTRAILER•5THWHEEL•MOTORHOME•BUS CARGO OR FLATBEDTRAILER•ATV•MOTORCYCLE•BOAT MINI-MOTOR HOME•CAMPERVAN•TOYHAULER •GOLF CART WE WANT TO BUY YOUR RV What a wonderful time of year. Everyone seems to be in a Christmas frame of mind. Houses, stores, and city parks are all decorated for one of our grandest celebrations. It is a time when families come together to celebrate. Certain traditions just seem to spell Christmas. In South Texas there are three special events that spell Christmas … the production of plenty of tamales, the posada, and attending church. It is traditional for most families – especially those of Mexican descent – to have the whole family get together to make tamales. Now you can enjoy tamales anytime of the year, but certainly in South Texas, tamales and Christmas just can’t be separated. In Mexico, Christmas celebrations begin on December 15 with the greatest of these celebrations being a posada. That tradition was brought from Mexico into the United States. Generally, posadas are organized in a neighborhood. Friends and neighbors join together going from house to house asking for lodging. This is a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph trying to find a place where the Christ child could be born. A song is sung at each house where the procession stops. The song of course is asking for lodging. The reply is always “no” as there is no room until finally, at a previously selected home, the group is admitted and then the party begins with food and drinks offered to the group. I was honored about twenty-five years ago when I was invited to attend my first posada. If you are ever invited, I urge you to go – this presentation is what Christmas is all about. The most beautiful and touching posada that I have ever witnessed was in México. Mary was actually riding on a donkey as the group went from house to house asking for lodging. Actually, there is nothing quite like Christmas in Mexico – especially in Mexico City. They go all out. Imagine a pinata swinging about the main street. That pinata is so big that it stretches from one side of the street to the other. Entire sides of store building are painted with huge poinsettias and Christmas ornaments. There is absolutely nothing like spending Christmas in Mexico! And then Christmas Eve calls for another celebration. Many families attend midnight mass before another celebration at the family home. Christmas day is generally very subdued as many families have celebrated all night long. So they sleep late and stores are closed. What is your family tradition? In my family, we always knew Christmas was in the air when my husband would begin to recite “Christmas is coming, and the geese are getting fat. Please put a penny in an old man’s hat. If not a penny, a half penny will do. If not a half penny, God bless you.” Another tradition that has developed is my annual attendance at the Festival of Lights in Hidalgo, Texas. The trolley ride through the two-mile-long trail of lights should certainly put you in a festive mood. Plus, the entertainment is always special. Enjoy! Wherever you are, have a blessed and Merry Christmas. Enjoy the traditions of Christmas 2022 Posada in McAllen. Photo by Anastasia Brunson
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTczOTk5Mg==