Page 57 - Unforgettable Memories in Life_Neat

Lakeside Junior High School 55

a baby Jesus song and Catholic Christmas songs as it approached midnight. They would also

pray with the rosary. My mom said that when they would pray, a cold breeze would pass across

them, making them smile because it meant good things. After singing songs and praying, the

boys and men would visit other houses, giving kisses to baby Jesus and getting bags of goodies.

At midnight the men would light fireworks for the welcoming of Jesus. On Christmas Day, it

was the girls’ turn to go give kisses to baby Jesus and get a bag of goodies and a drink.

Sometimes people would invite the girls to eat with them because they didn't buy goodie bags, so

they would all gather around and just eat.

After the girls returned home, my mom and her sisters would get ready to go to her aunt's

house. It would always be really crowded. Everyone would be running around trying to find their

clothes, shoes, and other accessories. It would get my mom so mad, so she would go to the

campo, which is a field. She would try to calm down by breathing the cold air. Once everyone

was ready, they would head back to her aunt's house. They walked to visit family because cars

weren't really used back then. As they walked by houses, they would see people they knew and

they would say to each other, “Feliz Navidad”. My mom always felt happy and free because she

was with the people she loved the most.

On New years eve, they would make pozole because her aunts, cousins, and uncles

would all wait for it to be 12:00 A.M. At that time, they would shoot their guns up in the air. On

New Year’s, everyone would go to the fiesta where there are games, rides, food, and arcades and

fireworks. They would all go to the temple to give thanks to God for a new year. They would

also pray to Mother Mary. She felt safe because there wasn’t a lot of crime when she was a

young girl. everyone would just mind their business and enjoy their time as well. December is

my mom’s favorite month because the holidays are spent with family and friends and giving

thanks to God.