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9 DENVER CATHOLIC | DECEMBER 23, 2017-JANUARY 26, 2018 PRACTICES FROM MEXICO Jose Angel and Claudia Amador have numerous activities to prepare their family — Jose Angel Jr., Emanuel, Andrea, David and Daniel — for Christ- mas. The family attends the "posadas" (Spanish for "lodging ") at St. Pius X Parish. The 400-year-old tradition refers to the time Mary and Joseph looked for an inn in Bethlehem. They consist of gatherings for nine consec- utive days leading up to Christmas to pray a rosary and novena, and enjoy Bible plays, songs and food. On Christmas Eve, a rosary is prayed before dinner, during which the real clothes on the statue of Baby Jesus are taken o‹ . Afterward, he is laid and ven- erated on the manger of the elaborate Nativity scene, wrapped in diapers. He will remain there until Jan. 6 (or Feb. 2 in other regions), the Epiphany of the Lord, when he will be dressed again, sat in a chair and placed on a place of devotion. The Amador's give presents to their children on Christmas Day, tell- ing them that it was Baby Jesus who brought them. THE GHANAIAN SPIRIT The Bonsu family — Seth, Monica, Linda and grandchildren — keeps the joy of the Christmas season common in Ghana. Although they miss the all-night drumming and dancing on the streets of their hometown after midnight of Christmas Eve, they still dress com- pletely in white for Mass on the 25th at Queen of Peace Church. Colors are key. On Good Friday, they usually only wear red or black to represent their mourn- ing. On Christmas and Easter, they all wear white as a sign of joy. Their main meal is on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is mainly dedicated to set up a manger and have the kids perform a Nativity play. On Christmas Day, they have the most special dinner of the year. It is the time to make a deli- cious meal, such as their traditional "fufu," served with peanut soup and chicken. On Dec. 25 and 26, it is common to take the children to houses of family members or friends for gifts, where they usually receive sweets and small toys. AN ITALIAN FEAST Joél and Giovanna Contreras remain strong in their Italian Christmas prac- tices with their children: Rachel, Grace and Zawadi, originally from Congo; and Francesco and Lorenzo. They don't only prepare through their service at Cure d'Ars Parish, but also by making crafts. In fact, most of their Christmas tree ornaments are made by hand. The Contreras family sets up a big Nativity scene they made from chalk, clothes and wood years ago. The many fi gurines in the set were brought from San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, famous for such art. All are painted by hand and dressed in real clothes. On Christmas Eve, they enjoy a long, fi sh-based dinner with seven to 10 di‹ erent dishes. They begin with appetizers such as shrimp cocktail and move up to a "scoglio" pasta, followed by salmon, many side dishes and "past- iera" or other desserts. Christmas Day is fi rst and foremost a family day for the Contreras'. They spend the day doing family activities that range from playing games to watching a movie together. PHOTO BY ANDREW WRIGHT PHOTO PROVIDED PHOTO BY ANDREW WRIGHT CONGRATS Fr. John P. Fitzgibbons S.J., President Colorado's Jesuit Catholic University | REGIS.EDU TO MICHAEL J. O'HAGAN ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS PRESIDENT OF ARRUPE JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL We look forward to working together in our shared mission of providing a comprehensive Jesuit Catholic education to tomorrow's leaders.