December 2010 - Ramsay Community Association

Seasons Greetings
As Christmas fast approaches, it may strike you as interesting how many different ways people
celebrate and view this time of the year.
English Christmas customs traveled across the ocean to the United States and to three countries share
the hanging of stockings and mistletoe, and decorate with holly and ivy.
In Germany, the Christmas tree became popular during the Middle Ages when folk would decorate
evergreen boughs with apples. Later on blown glass ornaments and paper cornucopias were added to the
decorations.
As time passed, candles, gingerbread people and houses also became popular.
Feliz Navidad! – In Mexico the Christmas celebration begins nine days before December 25 with Las
Posadas. During this time the people in the town go to a different home each night. At each home the story of
Mary and Joseph seeking shelter at the inn is acted out.
Pinatas are a fun part of the Christmas celebration in Mexico. Pinatas are figures made out of clay or
paper-mache decorated with paper. Children use a stick to try to break the piñata. When one child breaks the
piñata, all children are rewarded with a “rainfall” of candy and small toys. The poinsettia flower is also very
popular. Legend has it that the poinsettia plant formed miraculously out of a bunch of weeds one Christmas
Eve from a little girl’s only gift to the baby Jesus at her church’s midnight service.
Bethlehem, where Jesus is said to have been born is the site of the Church of The Nativity, which is
ablaze with flags and decorations every Christmas. On Christmas Eve natives and visitors alike crowd the
church’s doorways and stand on the roof to watch for the dramatic annual procession.
Christian homes in Bethlehem are marked by a cross painted over the door and each home displays a
home-made manger scene. A star is usually set up on a pole in every village square.
Whatever method our friends, clients and associates use to celebrate this festive season we would like
to wish you all, a “Merry Christmas” and a safe and “Happy Holiday”
Yoki & Jeff Nichol
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