Is there a special decoration specifically from Mexico?

Answer 1

Most traditional homes include a nativity scene (Spanish: nacimiento) depicting the birth of Jesus. It usually has clay or plastic figurines with characters from the Biblical story: Joseph, Mary, the Magi and at least one angel. More elaborate scenes include shepherds, animals, the stable and the crib and many more characters including the Devil himself.

Less traditional homes include a Christmas tree decorated with lights, ornaments, garlands and tinsel; some trees are natural coniferous trees, but due to escalating costs of natural trees - most are imported from Canada and the United States - artificial trees are more common.

Many people decorate their homes with Christmas lights, but not on the scale and scope of American homes: electricity is quite more expensive in Mexico. Also poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are commonly used to decorate the house facades and entrances. Some homes have garlands (Spanish: guirnaldasor coronas) attached to the main door and many add small piñatas as decoration. Some even have crepe paper lanterns and centerpieces that open like accordions; sometimes there is a light inside.

See related links for some examples.

Cool facts:

• Holiday decoration in America actually came from Mexico. The Poinsettia flower comes from Joel R. Poinsett, first American ambassador who brought the plant from Mexico to America in 1828.