I had the delightful opportunity to attend a Christmas Posada right here in Coronado the other night.

In Mexico, Posadas are celebrated on the nine nights leading up to Christmas. The word posada means “inn” or “shelter” in Spanish, and these celebrations honor Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem.

In imitation of their stopping at different places to spend the night, each night from December 16th to 24th families and friends gather at a different home in anticipation of Christmas.

The Coronado Posada is an annual tradition of a very community oriented family who are originally from Mexico. They invited their family, their grandchildren’s school friends and other members of the community.

While adults do attend, the primary focus of this particular Posada is the arrival of Santa Claus.

And a most wonderful and jolly Santa Claus he was with a snowy white beard and twinkle in his eyes. Santa sat and read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to the children gathered at his feet. He then allowed the children to ask him questions about himself, his elves, his workshop and his reindeer.

One quiet little girl held up her hand and asked, “Do you ho?”

Santa replied somewhat confused, “Do I hope? Hope for what?”

“No,” she answered, “Do you ho-ho?”

This got a laugh from Santa and the adults and Santa gave her a hearty, “Ho, ho, ho!”

The children proceeded to take turns sitting on Santa’s lap to tell him what they want for Christmas.

The house was warm and inviting and adorned with holiday decorations. The food and drink was flowing and a good time was had by all.