After supper the children open presents. Then the entire family attends a midnight mass. Christmas day is reserved for visiting family and friends. Mexico Christmas festivities begin with Las Posadas, nine consecutive days of parties and candelight processions. The Pinata is a common part of many parties.
Most Mexican homes decorate with a nativity scene.
On Christmas Eve at midnight, bells whistles and fireworks mark the anniversary of the birth of Christ. The day of celebration is on December 6th, St. Nicholas Day. Children place a shoe or boot by the fireplace. During the night, St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, goes from house to house carrying a book with a record of the misdeeds of the children. If they have been good, he fills the shoe or boot with delicious goodies.