Pretend It’s a Forest

It might be the lights, the excitement of some PTO, or Macaulay Culkin, but this time of year makes me less cynical. It’s ironic, given that this holiday blurs the line between religion and capitalism—two concepts I’m not exactly fond of. Yet here I am, looking the other way and just enjoying the season.

Christmas, the Holidays, the end-of-the-year break—whatever you want to call it—is a time and space where the global collective shares a similar experience: a sense of unity, community, and family. Of course, these shared experiences are shaped by different cultural narratives, especially in how we celebrate and what everyone brings to the table. As a Mexican, I can’t help but notice—and miss—some of the little nuances that made my Holidays back home different from here. If you’re interested in expanding your Christmas knowledge and perhaps adopting some new traditions to keep extending the joy, please keep reading—and if you’re not, well, happy holidays to you.

Las Posadas: A tradition that should be immediately adopted by those who lean more toward the religious side of the holidays. Celebrated from Dec. 16–24, this event represents the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter before the birth of Jesus. Each day features a procession, a litany, praying, singing, and, of course, food. This theatrical and dramatic event can be adapted to your own taste, with as many substitutes as you please. You can switch the classic tamales for pigs in a blanket, and you can even ask Alexa to lead the event.

Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon: Not for the faint of heart or those with limited social tolerance, this marathon begins on December 12 (Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe) and concludes on January 6 (Three Kings’ Day). During this period, you commit yourself to every holiday event, party, or celebration that comes your way—a perfect excuse for those who love to party. However, it’s not recommended for anyone with a full-time job.

Nochebuena: Why wait until Christmas Day when you can begin celebrating on Christmas Eve? Start on the evening of the 24th with a grand, festive dinner. This moment offers the perfect setting to exchange gifts, strengthen bonds with family and friends, and air out the grievances you’ve carried all year. As the night goes on, keep the holiday cheer alive by singing classic Christmas carols well into the early hours of Christmas morning —just make sure your neighbors or hosts are on board with these extended festivities.

Titanic: Yes, you heard right. It’s time to switch Die Hard for a new classic seasonal movie. Usually played on Nochebuena, this cultural phenomenon has no explanation, so please don’t ask.

While I haven’t celebrated these holiday traditions in person for a while, I see them alive and well through the posts of friends and family having a fantastic time without me. And yes, I will be airing this grievance via video call this year. But for now, locals, old-timers, newcomers, tourists, and visitors from other galaxies—let’s pretend that this is, in fact, the best time of the year, and I invite you to celebrate this season in whatever way makes you happy. After all, this is the only time of year when no one will judge you for watching Home Alone 1 and 2 for the 200th time instead of socializing.