Christmas in Mexico: Spanish words and phrases

These are the words of a season of parties. A posada, a piñata and a cup of ponche go together the way crackers and turkey do, so learning them as a set lets you follow an invitation, a menu or a school notice in December without stopping.

Mexican Christmas Spanish is invitations and plans, so most of these are questions about where, with whom and what to bring. Que la pases bonito uses the same que plus verb shape as any good wish: it is short for I hope that you have it nice.

A piñata is turn-taking with a running commentary. Te toca hands you the stick, and the shouted directions use the plainest commands in the language, which is why children learn them first and why you can follow them blindfolded.

Shop signs use se plus a verb for the impersonal, as in se venden piñatas, piñatas are sold. It is the most common sign shape in the Spanish speaking world, and once you see it you will find it on every street.

At a traditional posada the guests stand outside and sing, asking for shelter as Mary and Joseph did, while the hosts inside sing back refusing, until the door opens and the party starts. Pedir posada means to ask for lodging.

The rosca de reyes on 6 January hides a small figure of the baby Jesus. Whoever finds it in their slice hosts tamales on 2 February, Candlemas, el Día de la Candelaria. That is why the season does not really end until February.

Mexico's Federal Labour Law (article 87) says employers must pay the aguinaldo bonus before 20 December, at least fifteen days' wages. Checked October 2026. It is one reason December spending peaks when it does.