Job Discussion Forums

[Ben Round de Bloc]

Each year it seems like stores have their Christmas stuff on the shelves earlier than the previous year. This year lots of large stores had their seasonal sections loaded with artificial Christmas trees and decorations long before the end of October. The city's street decorations, also put up very early, seem inspired by Las Vegas -- huge, gaudy, bright, and flashing.

Most of my students follow a traditional routine of midnight mass on Christmas Eve followed by a big family dinner starting at about 1:00 a.m. Then on Christmas Day in the evening and on into the night they party and/or go out with their friends to a movie or disco.

Where I teach, it's common and acceptable to have Christmas parties in classes right before holiday break. Students bring lots of food, music CDs, and sometimes things to decorate the room. Many classes opt to include a gift exchange -- draw names and set a price limit in advance -- but what I find strange is the custom of passing around a list where students write their names and what they want to receive. They post this list on the bulletin board in the classroom. The actual gift exchange is done in a very set, traditional manner. Desks are put in a big circle. One person starts by giving his/her gift to the person whose name he/she drew -- big hug and kiss on the cheek (or "manly" slap-on-the-back hug if two guys) -- then that person gives his/her gift to the person whose name he/she drew, hug-kiss, etc. At the end of the party, everybody hugs everybody including the teacher before leaving. (Definitely a huggy bunch of people here.)

It's traditional to have a faculty Christmas party on the last Friday or Saturday night before holiday break where I teach as well -- invite spouse/date, free bar, huge catered dinner, and live music at a rented party hall. Usually starts around 10:30 or 11:00 p.m. and ends around 3:00 a.m. Door prizes but no gift exchange. Everybody hugs everybody before leaving the party, of course.

[Guy Courchesne]

The DF teaching circuit offers up pretty much the same Fiestazos for Xmas as where you be Ben.

When I was in Acapulco teaching, I introduced the concept of mistletoe in the doorway to the befuddled Costenyos. They REALLY liked the kissing part, so the mistletoe stays up year round now.

[MixtecaMike]

To everyone in Mexico, enjoy your Christmas break. I won't miss the egg-throwing engineering students at last years H.de L. posada, but I will miss those two weeks off.

Only the 25th here, and it's a Saturday.

(Checks calendar) It's bit early but, isn't it?????

[Paulie2003]

Haven't been here for one yet...but they say there are a lot of fireworks of all things!

[thelmadatter]

I went to Puerto Escondido with my son last Xmas so I dont know much about Xmas traditions here yet. My school also does a big dinner/dance (a waste of money in my opinion when they cant buy me a decent computer for a teacher who is supposed to be implementing CALL here... but who cares what my opinion is). This year I intend to stick around here. I got a boyfriend now so I expect to be inaugurated into family-style cultural stuff.

[lozwich]

Congrats on the boyf Ms Datter!

I remember the Christmas lights that everyone installed in their windows, or on their rooves, which play very very tinny carols. I remember waking up at 4.30 every morning during the Guadalupe festivities, listening to Las Ma�anitas and fireworkds and then in the (very very rare) silent moments having those tinny lights add their contribution!

Have a great one!

Lozwich.