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HONDURAS
Christmas with a Taste of Devil's Punch
In Honduras, Christmas is traditionally a religious and family-oriented holiday.
In both urban and rural areas all over the country, the joy of the holidays is felt from very early in November, when the shopping centers are decorated with Christmas themes and multi-colored lights, particularly public buildings, parks, plazas, bridges, trees and other landmarks.
The traditional Posadas are celebrated everywhere. They take place every day for the last 12 days before Christmas Eve. People welcome carolers in their homes with a delectable feast, including the traditional cookies and "ponche infernal" or Devil's Punch. The pilgrims arrive singing Christmas carols. As in other Central American countries, it is common for Hondurans to fashion nativity scenes using clay figures, shrubbery and even little streams.
Their efforts are rewarded by members of the town council, who give out prizes to the three best nativity scenes.
During the holidays (Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve), Hondurans or Catrachos attend midnight mass, known as Misa del Gallo, at any of the Catholic churches around.
The Missing Baby Jesus
In the early hours of Christmas morning, news begin to spread that Baby Jesus has been taken from a neighbor's house. The owners of the nativity figurine have to go from one home to the next until they find the missing Baby. Once they find it, there is a party to celebrate His coming.
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INDIA
A Christmas Midnight Mass is held. Churches are decorated with poinsettias, which bloom in December.
In the southern region of the country, people place small clay candles on roofs and walls.
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JAPAN
Most Japanese decorate their homes with branches of evergreens, despite the fact that only 1 percent of the population is Christian. They also exchange gifts during the season. |
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MEXICO
In Mexico, Christmas is a very special time for families. There are re-enactments of Mary and Joseph wandering through Bethlehem in search of a place to stay the night. Mary is astride a donkey, trailed by a chorus of children who knock on doors requesting shelter for the couple. Their requests go un-heeded, in keeping with the centuries-old tradition.
Another important event is the piñata party, held for children.
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