Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration with origins in Spain, now celebrated chiefly in Mexico, Guatemala and parts of the Southwestern United States, beginning December 16th and ending December 24th (nine days).
This event represents Joseph and Mary seeking lodging for the night; the Parrish chooses the house/ family who will eventually “take in” the individuals portraying the two – inside they feast and generally partake in the Novena (a devotion consisting of a prayer repeated on nine successive days). 
Here are some books you might be interested in reading:
Here’s a random, off-the-wall insert:
Have you ever heard of the Night of the Radishes? Well, they celebrate it every December 23rd in Mexico.
Need to check the weather in Mexico? Go here: http://espanol.weather.com/
December is a very busy month for tourism in Mexico. It’s warm, and the traditions and authentic culture are waiting to be observed, appreciated and partaken!
If you plan to go, get your insurance, take your cell phone with international calling plan, and maybe a few trinkets to hand out to the local children … that’s always fun, especially this time of year.
My wish is for there to be no more earthquakes (in Mexico, or anywhere), for there to be no flu or disease outbreaks, no criminal threats, and no need for travel advisories … I want there to be unity and strides toward peace and maturity regarding drug use, domination, and egotism.
I get a little sentimental and perhaps sappy this time o’ year … perdóname por favor. It’s Christmastime for me. ¡Feliz Navidad!
For those of you who do not celebrate Christmas, I hope you’ll filter this post and take away from it: there is history, Mexican culture, and traditions to experience… regardless of religious preference. Also, my pie-in-the sky wish list holds true! Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men (mankind) is pretty much a universal mantra … Mexico can teach us, enlighten us, and entertain us – now, in December, and in 2012 months to come!
¡Viva México!
