Picture Book Exploration: The Night of Las Posadas, by Tomie dePaola
The Night of Las Posadas is one of our favorite Christmas picture books that we have turned into a tradition. We read it every year, on December 16th. We love the beautiful story of the miracle that might have taken place on a snowy December 16th near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Tradition
This is a tradition found in Mexico and New Mexico. But many hispanic parishes throughout the country perpetuate it.
Las Posadas (meaning shelters in Spanish) re-enact Mary and Joseph’s difficulties in finding shelter for the Child Jesus’ coming.
Usually starting on the evening of December 16th and for 9 consecutive nights, until December 24th, neighborhood or parish families gather together as peregrinas, accompanying Joseph and Mary on their quest for shelter. Each family takes turns hosting one of the nights. People will process to the door of the chosen home and ask for shelter singing this song: Villancico. The home owner will turn them away, but they persist 6 more times, and at last the Inn Keeper (homeowner) will open the door and let them in.
Everyone gathers to pray a Rosary in front of the Nativity scene, then celebrates with hot chocolate and cookies, or a 7 cones star piñata.
Why we love it
We love being able to accompany Saint Joseph and Mary on their quest to shelter. We love the nostalgic feel that it has, to really enter into Advent with the Holy Couple as they await the arrival of their baby and God. To me it brings us closer to them, in their poverty, in their quest but also in their trust in that the Lord will provide exactly what they need.
At home
If your parish, or a nearby parish, does not re-enact Las Posadas, you can still do it on your own at home, or with friends and family. This can be a wonderful opportunity to have an Advent party! While keeping the festivities to a minimum, the joy of community and building up on the expectancy of Mary and Saint Joseph can really bring people together. Keep it simple and enjoyable for all.
- Create Farolitos: Place candles (battery run) in white paper bags and line your driveway, then either as a family or with friends and neighbors process to the door. (Weigh the bags down with gravel or sand).
- Music: learn the song Villancico, here are the words, either in English or Spanish. Then sing it on the 9 nights of Las Posadas.
- Bonfire: Have a bonfire, read the Gospel of the Nativity Luke 2:1-20), then enjoy cookies and hot chocolate.
- Community: Invite family and friends to join you for a different Christmas party: re-enact as suggested above. You could also sing Christmas or Advent carols around the fire.
What to serve
Either of these two cookie recipes are delicious and simple:
Mexican cookies:
– Hojarascas
– Mexican Christmas Cookies
If you are inviting family and friends, you could ask others to bring more cookies. Mexican Hot Chocolate, if you build a bonfire, it would be easy to keep the chocolate hot in a large stockpot, with a lid, on the fire.
Expanding from there
Another wonderful book that we are adding to our tradition this year is Nine Days to Christmas: A Story of Mexico, by Marie Hall , illustrated by Aurora Labastida. That is a lovely, lovely book that takes you to the heart of Mexico for the nine days preceding Christmas.
I have made you a lovely printable download.
Love,
Mattie
