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jfurgers · Joined: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 442 Location: Mexico City

Nothing relating to teaching here, this is more of a cultural question. Every year here in the States the news channels shows all of the crazy people who are waiting at the malls at 4:00am to buy more THINGS that they'll only use for two months.

Seems like Christmas has become SO commericilaized here in the States. People are always being programmed to buy more THINGS. Kind of makes me sick sometimes at how people think that having more things will make them happy. I've been in D.F. many times for Navidad but don't remember Christmas being pushed as much as it is here in the States. Is the commercialism strong in the States only or does it exist in Mexico as well?

I'm all for people having nice things but to see how the people act who are at the malls at 4:00am the day after Thanksgiving is just amazing and sad to me. People never seem to want to slow down here in the good old U.S. of A.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

In DF, you'll find a blend of tradition and commercialization. Modern malls are already being decorated with Santas, lighting, and trees, while neighbourhood mercados are starting to stock traditional nativity scene figures - common sights in Mexican households.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Christmas decorations are put out right along with the Halloween stuff here. I don't recall that happening up north, but then I have been gone a long time. Walmart here has a whole separate building set up in their parking lot for Christmas toys. I have seen that with another store too. I'd have to say it's quite commercial, whether that be right or wrong.

notamiss · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 5:13 am Post subject:

One small difference; even if it's mostly a difference of date: the huge toy displays and annexes are gearing up for Reyes on January 6, not Christmas per se.

Reyes presents being basically for children, I have the impression that major gift-giving is mostly limited to children; among adults Christmas gifts aren't such a big thing as in North America. I might be wrong about it being generally true but it certainly holds for my Mexican family.

MELEE · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 6:09 pm Post subject:

My girls only ever watch tv in the morning while we are doing their hair. (It started as a way to get them to sit still long enough when they were a bit younger). They watch Dora the Exploradora. The commericals most of the year are a variety of things aimed at a mixed audience of Moms and kids. Now they are nothing but toy commericals.
In my Mexican family, I actually find Christmas really anti-climatic. They have dinner then go to mass on Christmas eve, and the 25th is just another day.

hlamb · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 431 Location: Canada

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

I third

that motion!

Coming from a practically pagan country like England, where Christmas lasts for a week, I was amazed that a religious country like Mexico makes so little fuss about it. Maybe because what is really important to them is the religious celebration of the birth of Christ.

The first Christmas I spent in Mexico, 2001, we went to my mother-in-laws' pueblo in Michoacan. We sat around a table at an uncle�s house, everyone with miserable faces, eating pozole and tamales (exciting to eat what you eat all year round in any case!). A festive spirit was conspicuous by its absence. And the 25th? I was reminded of the BandAid song, "Do they know it's Christmas?" As for Boxing Day.... Sad

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

MELEE · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 10:27 pm Post subject:

hlamb · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 431 Location: Canada

leslie · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 235

MO39 · Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 4:52 pm Post subject: Re: thank-you

Ruffle the cat · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 32 Location: different counties

All my Mexican Christmases were great. First went with friends who didn't speak English to another city was looked after very well and enjoyed it all. Next few spent with an American friend and Mexican friends in Queretaro state and had lots of fun. Presents no but who needs them unless you are a kid.
The Mexicans celebrate with Roscas (not sure of spelling) and lots of Nativity scenes in their houses. Oh yes our street had a posada too. Lots of Ponche again spelling. Been away for 5 yrs going back for good next year so will have a Mexician Christmas in 2008 and looking forward to it hope to be invited to friends homes and will bring the tequila.
My American friend and I had a Christmas palm tree decorated for the day not a fir but we managed.