Posts
living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com
This year I decided that I was tired of smokey, alcohol-filled family gatherings where the men went one way and the women the other usually taking care of the kids and doing all the cooking. Also, we have spent so much of this year working with the new programs in education and preaching the glories of civics and ethics. It was time to show it instead of just talk about it. Even though this is Mexico, it too is now all about cellphones, IPods, laptops, internet and worst of all, Facebook.
I took it upon myself to organize a family posada. The posada is reenacting Mary and Joseph's quest for shelter in Bethlehem. I started by making a list of all the family. Juan had to help me because when we had finished we realized his father and mother (QEPD) had created a family of 114 people. Boy, had I taken on too big of an event or what!
The idea was to keep it simple. I purchased everything to make cheese burgers, charro beans, potatoe chips and all the fixings. We rented a Santa suit for the kids and I proceeded to make 60 individual bags of candy. I ordered a sheet cake for 100 people and Juan created two raffles; one for the kids and one for the adults. We printed copies of the posada and picked up enough candles for the group.
Time for the big party and it all went off without a hitch. It took a bit to get things going as it was a Friday night and only one week before Christmas so traffic in this city recovering from the worst hurricane in 100 years was a mess. As people showed up they heard Christmas music instead of loud cumbias playing and overtaking the conversations. Kids dressed for the party began to play in the patio at Nelly and Norma's house. They have two townhouses together with a large front patio more than big enough for all of us.
Couples shared past experiences and the burgers were on the grill. As the clock ticked and the crowd began to grow it was time to put have the group out on the street and start the posada. Candles were lit, the two groups were formed and we began singing. As we asked for shelter for the night we were soon received and accepted to come through the gates. Cheers and clapping were heard, it was obvious the Christmas spirit had been found. I knew we were on the right track.
We had tables and chairs set up with bright red table clothes dressed with all the coutremont including the bowl of sliced jalepeños to top off those tasty burgers. Everyone dug in and began to eat and the conversations settled down. Just when we thought "what could be next" we heard a Ho Ho Ho at the gate and lo and behold there he was. Decked out in bright red and his white, flowing white beard. It was really him and the kids moved toward the gates in amazement. Santa did come just like I knew he would.
The kids went nuts as well as the adults. One by one they sat on Santa's lap as he asked them what they wanted for Christmas. The Christmas music sounded in the background and bags of dulces were given to each and everyone.
The gift for the adults was a baby Jesus to put in the nativity. Each of the women read a card that had a description of Christmas and only one card read at the end, "and here, I will stay with you".
It was a good time had by all.
I took it upon myself to organize a family posada. The posada is reenacting Mary and Joseph's quest for shelter in Bethlehem. I started by making a list of all the family. Juan had to help me because when we had finished we realized his father and mother (QEPD) had created a family of 114 people. Boy, had I taken on too big of an event or what!
The idea was to keep it simple. I purchased everything to make cheese burgers, charro beans, potatoe chips and all the fixings. We rented a Santa suit for the kids and I proceeded to make 60 individual bags of candy. I ordered a sheet cake for 100 people and Juan created two raffles; one for the kids and one for the adults. We printed copies of the posada and picked up enough candles for the group.
Time for the big party and it all went off without a hitch. It took a bit to get things going as it was a Friday night and only one week before Christmas so traffic in this city recovering from the worst hurricane in 100 years was a mess. As people showed up they heard Christmas music instead of loud cumbias playing and overtaking the conversations. Kids dressed for the party began to play in the patio at Nelly and Norma's house. They have two townhouses together with a large front patio more than big enough for all of us.
Couples shared past experiences and the burgers were on the grill. As the clock ticked and the crowd began to grow it was time to put have the group out on the street and start the posada. Candles were lit, the two groups were formed and we began singing. As we asked for shelter for the night we were soon received and accepted to come through the gates. Cheers and clapping were heard, it was obvious the Christmas spirit had been found. I knew we were on the right track.
We had tables and chairs set up with bright red table clothes dressed with all the coutremont including the bowl of sliced jalepeños to top off those tasty burgers. Everyone dug in and began to eat and the conversations settled down. Just when we thought "what could be next" we heard a Ho Ho Ho at the gate and lo and behold there he was. Decked out in bright red and his white, flowing white beard. It was really him and the kids moved toward the gates in amazement. Santa did come just like I knew he would.
The kids went nuts as well as the adults. One by one they sat on Santa's lap as he asked them what they wanted for Christmas. The Christmas music sounded in the background and bags of dulces were given to each and everyone.
The gift for the adults was a baby Jesus to put in the nativity. Each of the women read a card that had a description of Christmas and only one card read at the end, "and here, I will stay with you".
It was a good time had by all.
What a wonderful idea that sounds totally successful. Perhaps you have started a tradition!
ReplyDeleteGigi
Sorry Chris, got back logged with blogs and not having enough access to the internet to read them, so now I am backtracking.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you guys had a great time and your effort was a true success.
Kevin and Ruth
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com