Source: The San Francisco Chronicle
On December 24, 2002 The San Francisco Chronicle reported that "for Lucy Rodriguez, it's not Santa Claus, brightly decorated trees or snowmen that conjure up images of Christmas. It's the sight of the nacimiento, or nativity scene. 'It reminds me of the Virgin Mary and Joseph,' said the 70-year-old Rodriguez... 'That's the whole significance of nacimiento, the parents of Christ.' In thousands of Catholic Latino homes throughout the Bay Area, the Christmas season begins with the nacimiento, for many the most meaningful and traditional symbol of the holidays. While nativity scenes are a familiar part of Christmas celebrations, the nacimiento tradition is particularly well observed in Latin American countries, which received the tradition from the conquering Spaniards. The nacimientos are usually assembled nine days before Christmas, to coincide with las posadas, the physical re-enactment of Joseph and Mary's search for lodging in Bethlehem. Families usually wait until Christmas Eve before placing baby Jesus in his manger."