December 16th is the start of Posada. Posada celebrates and follows the journey of Joseph and Mary on their travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Two children after dark each night carry two small, pine cones that have been decorated to represent Joseph and Mary on the burro. There is a procession each night with the children knocking on a random door asking for lodgings for the family.

At this point, the residents threaten harm to the family if they do not move on, and obviously, this leaves the family pleading for a safe refuge. The house members will again threaten the traveling couple, but then the head of the house will realize who the couple is, and throwing open the doors, will greet and welcome the couple with open arms.

Everyone will kneel around the Nacimiento or the manager scene, and will sing glorious songs, Ave Marias, and of course, offer a prayer. Upon Christmas Eve, adding a new verse to the Ave Marias indicates that the birth is under way, and at midnight, fireworks announce the birth of Christ. There is a lot of wondrous celebration, and the whole family eats, drinks, and prays welcoming the Christ Child to the world.

Of course, if you are celebrating an authentic Mexican Christmas, you will want to have the best in costumes and foods. Delectable cuisine is a must at a celebration, and this is cuisine you will find absolutely delicious and wonderful. Filled with menudo, atole, rice, tamales, and other fine dishes, this is a holiday like no other.

Here are is a favorite from my own kitchen. What would you like to add?

Sweet Rice or Arroz Dulce

3/4 cup of rice

1/2 cup of sugar

1 teaspoon of Mexican vanilla or real vanilla

4 cups of whole milk

1 cup of cream

1/4 teaspoon of salt

Briefly scald the whole milk. Place the rice into one of those deep baking dishes, pour the scalded milk over the rice making sure to cover thoroughly, and bake in a 275 degree oven for roughly 3 hours. You can adjust as needed for time and temperature. The rice at this point should be soft. You will want to stir about every 10 minutes for the first house to help in preventing sticking. Also, you can add more scalded milk if needed.

Take out of the oven about 30 minutes before it is completed. Add the sugar, vanilla, cream, and stir thoroughly. Continue baking to completion.

Celebrating a Mexican Christmas or Posada would not be complete without adding this delicious sweet rice to the table. Children as well as adults love this rice dish with a sweet kick. Celebrating the holiday season has never been so easy or so absolutely scrumptious. In fact, this recipe also makes a wonderful dessert for special occasions all year long. Feliz Navidad!