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Posted By: Marty The Busy Month Of December - 12/08/11 02:01 PM
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Oh yes, the month of December is a busy month today, way too busy. But don't you ever think the month of December or the Christmas month was not busy twenty five years ago, except that in a different way.

While the activities of Christmas begin with the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, in the past it all commenced on December 16 with the beginning of "Las Posadas". Las Posadas re-enacted the visit of Joseph and Mary, who was close to childbirth, at the homes in Bethlehem. They knocked at doors to see if there was any space for them because the inns were full. The Posadas went on for nine days from December 16 to 24 and this event drew tons of participants including women, young ladies and men and children. Las Posadas included prayers, singing, cupcakes and soft drinks for everyone. Trust me; it was a biggie. With a population of 500, it drew 200 participants.

Just about the same time as the Posadas, there was the exciting event of setting up the live Christmas tree (a limb from a pine tree) and decorating it with balloons, plastic toys and anything that could make it colorful.

The next event that took center stage in San Pedro twenty five years ago was the arrival of salted hams on the Island. Every household purchased its ham, and hung it close to the main door for everyone to see. It was a special event in San Pedro, but the ham was not boiled and baked until December 24 for the Christmas meal.

But that was not the end....

Click here for the rest of the story and more pictures in the Ambergris Today
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