We walk you through essential Christmas words and traditions in Mexico, from nacimientos and Christmas trees to poinsettias, piñatas, and festive street decorations. We also explore classic holiday food and drinks like tamales, ponche, rompope, and buñuelos, plus the music, posadas, and expressions you’ll hear everywhere. Whether you’re traveling, living in Mexico, or simply want to sound more confident during the holidays, this episode helps you connect language with real-life Christmas experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Master practical Spanish Christmas vocabulary used in real conversations
• Understand the meaning behind Mexican holiday traditions and symbols
• Speak more naturally about Christmas while traveling or celebrating in Spanish

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 036 – Las Posadas Navideñas Mexicanas | Mexican Christmas Parties
• 037 – Diferencias Navideñas Entre México Y EEUU | Christmas Differences Between Mexico And The US
• 141 – Villancicos Navideños | Christmas Carols
• 142 – La Rama: El Árbol Navideño Mexicano | The Branch: The Mexican Christmas Tree
• 195 – Ponche – El Olor De La Navidad En México | Ponche, The Smell Of Christmas In Mexico
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We break down what la sobremesa really is, why almost everyone in Mexico practices it (even if they don’t name it), and how it contrasts with the fast-paced dining culture many of us grew up with. We also explore its historical roots in Spain, how it blended with Latin American and Indigenous traditions, and why meals often last hours without anyone feeling rushed. Finally, we explain how la sobremesa becomes a powerful, low-pressure space for practicing Spanish, building confidence, and truly connecting with people beyond the classroom.

Key Takeaways:

• Why meals in Mexico don’t end when the plate is empty
• How la sobremesa reflects deeper cultural values around time and connection
• How you can use la sobremesa to practice Spanish naturally and confidently

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
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  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
  • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

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We dive into the surprising reach of Oxxo, from its 22,000+ stores across Mexico to its rapid growth in countries like Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Brazil. We discuss the 2,500 products you can find in a single location, the ready-to-eat foods, and the essential services it offers—like paying bills, withdrawing cash, buying bus tickets, and even handling government payments. We also explore Spin by Oxxo, its growing financial service that’s helping millions of people access convenient banking tools. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand why Oxxo is more than a convenience store—it’s a powerhouse woven into the daily rhythm of Mexican life.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Oxxo is considered one of the most important convenience stores in Mexico.
• How its everyday services—from bill payments to cash deposits—make life easier for millions.
• The surprising products, expansion, and financial tools behind Oxxo’s massive success.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 264 – Medicina Extremadamente Barata en México | Extremely Affordable Medicine in Mexico
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May talks with Evangelina about the origins of Cocina Nana Vira and how a challenging moment in her family’s life transformed into a project that now welcomes visitors from around the world. She shares the cultural meaning and emotional depth behind Oaxaca’s ceremonial moles—coloradito, mole negro, and mole chichilo—and explains why traditional tools like the metate and fire-based cooking are essential to preserving authentic Zapotec flavors. We also bring listeners into the heart of our Oaxaca immersion experience, where students explore local markets, learn regional traditions, and cook alongside Evangelina in her wood-fired kitchen.

Key Takeaways:

• The powerful story behind Cocina Nana Vira and how Evangelina’s family revived ancestral cooking traditions.
• The cultural significance of Oaxaca’s ceremonial moles and what makes each one unique.
• Why traditional tools, native ingredients, and fire-based techniques are essential to preserving Zapotec culinary heritage.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 158 – Técnicas Ancestrales En La Cocina Mexicana Parte 2 | Ancient Techniques In Mexican Cuisine Part 2
• 157 – Técnicas Ancestrales En La Cocina Mexicana Parte 1 | Ancient Techniques In Mexican Cuisine Part 1
• Boost your confidence in real-life Spanish conversations with our Spanish Immersion Retreats
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We walk you through why letters like ch, ll, and even rr used to appear in the Spanish alphabet—and why they were eventually removed. We explain the role of the Real Academia Española and the network of language academies that oversee updates to Spanish, including the move to classify these as dígrafos rather than independent letters. You’ll also hear how pronunciation, regional differences, and even the renaming of the letter y impact learners today. Whether you’ve been speaking Spanish for decades or you’re just getting started, this episode will help you understand the modern 27-letter alphabet and avoid common pronunciation mistakes.

Key Takeaways:

• Why ch, ll, and rr are no longer part of the Spanish alphabet
• How the RAE and the Association of Academies make decisions about the language
• The importance of correct alphabet pronunciation for clearer, more confident Spanish speaking

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• How To Say The Alphabet In Spanish [Blog Post]
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We’re sharing the essential everyday phrases you’ll hear constantly in Mexico — and how to use them confidently and politely. You’ll learn when to say provecho, por favor, gracias, con permiso, disculpa, perdón, and salud, plus the cultural meaning behind each expression, so you know exactly what feels natural to locals. We also talk about the importance of asking permission before taking photos and how these small habits can help you navigate markets, restaurants, and crowded streets with ease. Whether you’re preparing for a trip or trying to sound more natural in Spanish, these phrases will make every interaction smoother and more respectful.

Key Takeaways:

• How to use provecho, por favor, gracias, and salud naturally in daily situations
• The difference between con permiso, disculpa, and perdón
• Why asking “¿Te puedo tomar una foto?” is a sign of respect and cultural awareness

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
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  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
  • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

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Before heading to Oaxaca, we had a busy week filled with errands, appointments, and last-minute preparations. But the real story happened when I got pulled over by a police officer for having tinted windows — something that’s perfectly normal in other parts of Mexico but not allowed in Puebla. We talk about how the situation unfolded, what we learned about cultural differences when dealing with authority, and how using ChatGPT (yes, right there on the street!) helped clarify the law and calm things down. It’s a mix of nerves, quick thinking, and a few laughs in the end.

Key Takeaways:

• How traffic laws — and their enforcement — can vary across different parts of Mexico.
• Why it’s important to stay calm, polite, and informed when dealing with local authorities.
• How technology can help you navigate real-life challenges abroad.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
  • Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
  • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

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After months of staying home, we finally took our first trip as a family — and it was quite the adventure! We talk about May’s initial fears of flying with a baby, my rush to get Santi’s passports, and how we handled everything from formula prep to stroller logistics. You’ll also hear what went surprisingly well (spoiler: Santi was a dream traveler!) and what we learned along the way. Whether you’re a new parent planning your first flight or just curious about how it went, this episode is full of honest moments, funny mishaps, and practical tips for making travel with a baby smoother and less stressful.

Key Takeaways:

• Traveling with a baby is easier when you’re organized — think pre-measured formula and the right stroller.
• Babies often handle flights better than car rides thanks to white noise and comfort.
• Preparation and flexibility turn stressful trips into meaningful family memories.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• 277 – El Nombre Más Complicado En México | Most Complicated Name In Mexico
• 271 – La Vacuna BCG – Un Símbolo De Identidad Mexicana | The BCG Vaccine – A Symbol Of Mexican Identity
• 270 – Padres Primerizos – ¡Bienvenido, Santi! | First-Time Parents – Welcome, Santi!
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Have you ever felt nervous speaking Spanish on the phone? You’re not alone! In this episode, we break down how phone conversations work in Mexico, from answering with “¿Bueno?” to asking “¿Con quién tengo el gusto?” and handling tricky moments like poor connections or giving your address. We also share real-life examples, practical phrases for everyday calls, and funny stories from our own experiences. Whether you’re setting an appointment, calling customer service, or just trying to understand what someone said, this episode will make your next Spanish phone call much easier.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn the most common and natural ways to start and end phone calls in Spanish.
• Master useful phrases for different situations, from introducing yourself to fixing connection issues.
• Gain confidence speaking Spanish on the phone with real examples and cultural insights from Mexico.

Relevant Links And Additional Resources:

• Level up your Spanish with our Podcast Membership
  • Get the full transcript of each episode so you don’t miss a word
  • Listen to an extended breakdown section in English going over the most important words and phrases
  • Test your comprehension with a multiple choice quiz

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This is the exclusive audio breakdown section for episode 291 - Cómo Hablar por Teléfono en Español | How to Talk on the Phone in Spanish.

Get access to the full interactive transcript, quizzes, and more for this and every episode by joining our community, La Escala, at spanishandgo.com/community.