THINGS I CHERISH DURING THE HOLIDAYS!
Growing up in Northern New Mexico, I have a very different picture of the holidays. For us, it was about family get-togethers making empanadas and tamales. We also put up farolitos (called luminarias further South), attending midnight mass, and heading out Christmas morning (traditionally called ‘Mis Crismes’) to the neighbor’s houses collecting ribbon candy, nuts and oranges. I did not care for the candy, but I loved the nuts and oranges. Some of the neighbor’s would hand us just roasted Pinon to put in our pockets to keep our hands warm.
At my home, we decorate with special keepsakes. The plastic ornament given to me by my grandfather when I was a child, the Panda Bear ornaments given to me by my mother for my first home; the Santa Claus I made in 4-H and my husband’s Elf on a Shelf ‘Fraser’, that he has had over 40 years. The Nativity Set, I inherited from my Mother-in-Law.
After seeing the damaging rain storms and fires in our country, especially those most recently, I say FAMILY is still the most important part of the holidays. Sadly, many do not even have a home in which to celebrate or will be celebrating without a loved one. I am fortunate to still have family and my job family. We may not all be together, but we will still celebrate.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
