Christmas, in Mexico, begins on the 16th December and continues for nine days: each day the children meet in the afternoon to re-enact the Holy family's search for lodgings. The procession is led by Mary, normally riding a donkey, and Joseph, followed by angels, the three kings, and shepherds. The children usually wear handmade costume and carry faroles - paper lanterns.

The children knock on the door of three different houses: the first two turn them away but the third tell them they are welcome to take refuge in the stable. When the procession is finished, the children get to smash the "pinatas": which are full of goodies.

The children do not receive their presents until January 6th, "el día de Reyes", the day of the Kings, or the Wise Men Day. It is they who bought presents to the baby Jesus, thus, they bring the toys to the boys and girls who have been good. The children place their shoes by the window, and the Wise Men place their present in the shoes.