LETTER WRITING

If you're writing a Christmas card to your child in Mexico, here are some things to remember:

• Many Mexican children celebrate Christmas by helping their families build a nativity scene, known as El Nacimiento. The creation centers on a stable, which shelters clay or plaster figurines of Joseph and Mary. The scene may also include an angel, Los Reyes Magos (the Magi), oxen, donkeys and shepherds. These figures often are placed in a bed of Spanish moss, but may be positioned throughout a more elaborate terrain. Nacimientos vary in scale, and large scenes sometimes occupy an entire room and include ambitious landscape such as artificial trees, hills and waterfalls. The scene is made complete on Christmas Eve when the baby Jesus is finally placed in the manger bed. 

• In the center states of the country it is common for children to decorate a small Christmas tree. In some southern states it is traditional to cut a branch from a tree and sing a Christmas song around the streets in the community to ask for some small coins. Christian churches celebrate a Christmas service, and at the Compassion-assisted child development centers children have a feast with candy and piñatas.

Information Regarding Names:

• Mexicans commonly have more than one given name and two surnames (e.g., Jose Luis Martinez Salinas). The first surname often comes from the father and the second could either be from the mother or a given name.

Information Regarding Language Differences:

• In Spanish-speaking countries, "culto" means "worship service."

Write your child a letter.

GIFT GIVING

Child Gifts

Giving a special gift is a wonderful way to show your love to your sponsored child! With your monetary gift of $10 to $25, the country's project staff will help your child buy an age-appropriate present such as clothing, a soccer ball or other toy.

Give your child a gift.

Family Gifts

Giving a gift to your child's family helps provide the family with income-generating opportunities they can use to help support themselves and ultimately be released from poverty.

Give a family gift.

Learn more about your child's country.