Happy Holidays

[rags]

Happy Holidays to evryone and thanks for being here for me and "rags".You all can't imagine how much you have helped us.God Bless.Linda Nervi

[b3196]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the both of you
Bob K

[Keith_Hixson]

May the Good Lord Bless you real good this Christmas Season.

Keith

[Robert Ryan]

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY KAWANZA, HAPPY HANAKA, FELIS NAVA DA, (Sorry for spelling), AND IF I FORGOT ANYTHING MERRY AND HAPPY, THAT TO.

[DMZ-LT]

We have all helped each other through the yearss. THANK YOU. my daughter that lives in San Diego is here and my grandson is standing next to me now. WE ARE ALL BLESSSED

[urbsdad6]

Blessings of the season to you and thanks for being a part of Patriot Files.

Doc Urb

[Jerry D]

May we all experiance the blessings of the birth of our saviour Jesus and all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Here is something on the Mexican Celebration of "Feliz Navidad" :

"La Posadas," the remarkable buildup to Christmas Eve, is perhaps the most delightful and unique Mexican tradition. Beginning December 16th, it commemorates the events in the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

After dark, each night of the "Posada," a procession begins led by two children. The children carry a small pine-decorated platform bearing replicas of Joseph and Mary riding a burro. Other members of the company, all with lighted long slender candles, sing the "Litany of the Virgin" as they approach the door of the house assigned to the first "Posada." Together they chant an old traditional song and awaken the master of the house to ask for lodging for Mary. Those within the house threaten the company with beatings unless they move on. Again, the company pleads for admittance. When the owner of the house finally learns who his guests are, he jubilantly throws open the doors and bids them welcome. All kneel around the manger scene or "Nacimiento" and offer songs of welcome, Ave Marias and a prayer.

Now it's time of the "Pinata," refreshments and dancing. The "Pinata" is a pottery (or paper) container, brightly decorated and filled with candy and toys. It is hung from he ceiling or a tree. One by one, the children are blindfolded, turned around and instructed to strike the Pinata with a stick. Usually several attempts are made before the container is broken. Of course, when that happens, there is an explosion of goodies and a scattering of children.

On Christmas Eve another verse is added to the Ave Marias, telling the Virgin Mary that the desired night has come. Small children dressed as shepherds stand on either side of the nativity scene while members of the company kneel and sing a litany, after which the Christ Child is lulled to sleep with the cradle song, "El Rorro" (Babe in Arms).

At midnight the birth of Christ is announced with fireworks, ringing bells and blowing whistles. Devout worshipers surge into churches to attend the famous "Misa de Gallo" or "Mass of the Rooster." Following Mass, families return home for a tremendous dinner of traditional Mexican foods. The dishes vary with the different regions. However, somewhat common are the ,"tamales," rice, rellenos, "atole" (a sweet traditional drink) and "menudo," which is said to be more sobering than strong coffee.

Christmas Day has no special celebration though many have adopted the American style Christmas with a Christmas tree and Santa Claus.

[Tina]

Merry Christmas to all..