One week to Christmas, amigos! If you’re not ready yet, don’t worry — neither is Santa, who’s apparently ditched the sleigh this year and opted for a helicopter to make his way to Mexico (More on that in our events section).

This week, we’ve got tips on how to communicate with doctors in Mexico (no more lost-in-translation moments), a powerful Mexican plant to fight off colds and congestion, and festive sayings to spice up your Spanish just in time for the holidays.

Let’s make this week muy merry!

📣Que Paso

🚧 The US and Mexico are teaming up on a 32.37-hectare Land Port of Entry in Douglas, Arizona. Set to open in 2028, it will boost trade, create jobs, and go green with renewable energy systems.

🚆 After 4 years, the 1,554-kilometer Maya Train is finally complete, though ridership is well below the target.

🌴 An agreement with the federal government now allows local residents with an INE voter card free access to the beaches of Tulum’s Jaguar Park. Announced on December 14, the change is effective immediately.

🦋 Monarch Butterflies face endangered status. The U.S. proposes listing monarch butterflies as endangered, citing habitat loss and climate change. This decision could impact their iconic migration to Mexico’s forests.

💰 Walmart de México has been hit with a $4.6 million fine for monopolistic practices and imposing unfair conditions on suppliers, according to Mexico’s Federal Competition Commission (the anti-monopoly agency that’s soon to be eliminated). Walmart plans to appeal the decision, calling it "incorrect."

🔥 Government workers in Oaxaca are escalating their protests, threatening to occupy offices and block roads. They demand the reinstatement of 1,344 colleagues whose positions were eliminated, vowing not to back down until they are rehired.

🍎 Your Health Pulse 

Don’t Get Lost in Translation: How to Communicate with Doctors in Mexico

Navigating a healthcare system in another language can be overwhelming – and even a little scary.

Whether it’s explaining symptoms or understanding what’s being said, the stakes are high, and miscommunication can lead to real headaches (or worse).

But here’s the good news: You don’t need to be fluent in Spanish to make your medical appointments smooth and stress-free.

Want to feel confident walking into any appointment – no matter the language barriers?

📍 Immigration Essentials

Important Information for Tourists and Expats Departing Mexico

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Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, departing from Mexico involves more than just packing your bags. There are important procedures, documents, and customs regulations to consider.

Tourists 
Upon arrival to Mexico, you will receive your tourist visa (Forma Migratoria Múltiple, FMM). Keep in mind that in some airports the paper versions of the FMM are gradually being discontinued and replaced with a passport stamp, which at the same time generates a digital FMM in the system which can be downloaded within 60 calendar days from your arrival from the official website.

If you are granted paper FMM make sure that you don’t lose the half of the form given to you, as it will need to be given back to immigration at the moment of exiting the country.

The FMM is typically valid for 180 days, however, subject to the decision of the immigration officer at the point of entry, you may be granted less days; ensure you leave Mexico before it expires, otherwise you could be subject to a fine. Keep the FMM accessible on your phone, cloud storage, or drive, as you must present it at the airport when leaving Mexico. The tourist visa fee is typically included in your airfare’s “fees and taxes” if you are to flying into Mexico or payable at the border if driving into Mexico.

Residency Applicants in Process
Foreign applicants that are under a residency process must not leave Mexico before being granted their temporary or resident card. The “Canje” and the “family reunification” process usually takes 1-3 business days.

However, if you still need to exit Mexico while your residency application is in process, you must request an exit permit issued by INM, which usually takes approximately three business days to be approved. The permission letter allows you to leave for up to 60 calendar days and is valid for one trip. Doing so may result in the cancellation of your application.

Upon returning to Mexico with an exit permit, you must report to INM within five days of your return. The permission letter must be stamped by customs at your exit and at your return to Mexico.

Temporary and Permanent Card Holders
As a resident card holder (including the old FM3 or FM2 residency permits), you must register with the Immigration desk at the airport or port of exit, with passport and resident card to complete your FMM travel document before proceeding to the airline check-in desk.

Some airports in Mexico no longer issue exit FMMs or exit stamps. It’s recommended that you continue stopping by the immigration desk at the airport, regardless being stamped or not, to avoid any unexpected situation.

Upon returning, ensure immigration officers do not mark you as a tourist. Always present your residency card at customs for re-entry. Entering as a tourist may jeopardize your residency status.

🇲🇽 Viva Mexico

The Story Behind Tamales at Christmas

If Christmas in Mexico had a taste, it would be tamales — warm, delicious, and made with love. But have you ever wondered why they’re the star of the holiday table?

The origins of tamales can be traced back over 5,000 years to Mesoamerica. Archaeological evidence shows that the Olmecs, one of the region’s earliest civilizations, were the first to wrap food in masa (corn dough).

The Aztecs and Maya took tamales to the next level, incorporating them into rituals and daily life. Tamales were even the perfect on-the-go meal for the Aztec army during military campaigns — portable, nourishing, and easy to prepare.

Over time, tamales grew in significance. During the colonial period, they became symbols of Mexico’s evolving identity, blending indigenous roots with the mestizo culture of colonial Mexico.

Fast forward to today, and tamales are still the food of the season. Families gather for tamaladas — festive tamale-making parties where everyone pitches in. Spreading masa, adding fillings, wrapping in husks, and steaming. It’s teamwork at its most delicious.

Tamales are more than food. They’re storytelling, laughter, and history wrapped in a corn husk. Each bite connects us to ancient traditions, cultural identity, and the holiday spirit.

So, the next time you unwrap a tamale at Christmas, know you’re savoring centuries of tradition, one bite at a time.

🪷 Viva Wellness

The Ancient Mexican Remedy to Fight Flus, Colds, and Congestion

Tis the season where flus and colds abound. Fret not, friends. Chilcuague, a powerful Mexican plant, is here to save the day.

It’s packed with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that help you fight off colds and flu.

Got a sore throat? It soothes it. Congestion? It clears it.

Chilcuague has been used for centuries to tackle respiratory issues, and it’s still a natural go-to today.

And that’s just the beginning. From how it works to easy ways to use it, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Chilcuague.

🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events

🎼 Christmas Recitals: Dec 18-19, Playas de Rosarito
Celebrate the holidays with the Allegro Music Academy's festive recitals. Enjoy a beautiful repertoire on piano, violin, guitar, cello, trumpet, and more, performed by students of all levels. Performances take place at the Experimental Forum of CEART Playas de Rosarito at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tickets are just $100 MXN. Details here.

🎭 Ballet Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba: Dec 20, Playa del Carmen 
Experience the internationally acclaimed Ballet Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba as they make their Playa del Carmen debut on December 20 at 8:00 PM in the Teatro de la Ciudad "Xaman Há". Renowned for their unique fusion of flamenco, ballet, and contemporary dance, this performance is a must-see for culture enthusiasts. Admission is granted in exchange for a new, non-electric, non-violent toy, which will be donated to children in need. Donations can be made at the theater box office, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. More details here.

💃 The Nutcracker Ballet Gala: Dec 21, Guanajuato City
Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker, performed by talented ballet artists. This enchanting gala takes place at the Auditorio del Estado de Guanajuato at 7:00 PM. Don’t miss this beloved Christmas tradition! Get your tickets here.

🎷 Navidad con Jazz: Dec 22, Mérida
Celebrate the season with "Navidad con Jazz," featuring Mérida Big Band and Jazz Sensitive alongside talented vocalists. 🎶 Proceeds benefit Alas al Vuelo A.C., supporting education for peace. Join the festivities at Teatro Daniel Ayala, 7 PM. Tickets can be purchased here.

🚛 Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan: Dec 22, Puerto Vallarta 
Feel the holiday magic as the Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan rolls through Puerto Vallarta! Enjoy illuminated floats, live music, and special appearances by Santa and his helpers. This festive parade kicks off at 6:30 PM and promises a magical evening for the whole family. Details here.

🎅 Santa Lands by Helicopter: Dec 25, Los Cabos
Forget the sleigh — Santa's upgraded to a helicopter this Christmas! 🚁 Catch him landing in style at Grand Velas Los Cabos from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. After his grand entrance, enjoy a festive brunch at Azul Restaurant. Bonus points if you show up in your PJs — it’s Christmas, not a fashion show! Brunch runs from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Details here.

⛸️ Eco-Friendly Skating at the Zócalo: Now until Jan 6, Mexico City
The Zócalo's holiday skating rink is open . Glide across the rink daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM in Plaza de la Constitución.

💡 Say It in Spanish

This holiday season, sprinkle a little Mexican wisdom into your celebrations with these heartfelt Christmas sayings:

"La familia y los amigos son los verdaderos regalos de Navidad."
Translation: Family and friends are the true gifts of Christmas.

"En Nochebuena y en Navidad, la brasa de casa más caliente está." 
Translation: On Christmas Eve and Christmas, the home’s hearth burns the warmest.

"La Navidad no se trata de abrir regalos, se trata de abrir nuestro corazón." Translation: Christmas isn’t about opening presents, it’s about opening our hearts.

Use these sayings to share a little warmth, love, and holiday spirit — Mexican style! ✨

Why El Expat Insider? Life abroad isn’t just about relocating — it’s about reinventing. Every sunrise in Mexico brings new opportunities to explore, learn, and connect. Whether you’re here for a season or a lifetime, we’re your compass for making the most of every moment. Because life’s too short to live on autopilot.

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