At the City of Children, an orphanage in Ensanada, Mexico, Christmas is celebrated pretty much like it is in the United States, according to a Lipscomb student whose parents run the home.
Andres Gonzalez, whose parents are directors of the home that takes in abused and neglected children, said that the holiday there is all about love, celebration and the giving of gifts.
“I have such great memories of it growing up,” Gonzalez said. “Everyone is like one big family, so that just makes everything all the more special.”
He said that on Christmas Eve, each age group has a big party in its individual dormitory, with music, decorations and a big meal including the kids’ favorite foods.
On Christmas morning the children file into a big auditorium where they are called up, one-by-one, to receive the gifts given by their sponsors. The children cheer for each other as their names are called and start chants expressing their excitement.
He said it is one big party celebrating and letting the children know that God loves them and that they have a family that loves them.