Tag Archives: Christmas

Dec23

La Nochebuena

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La Nochebuena

The poinsettia plant has long been synonymous with Christmas. Here in Mexico, these colorful red flowers grow on small trees. When I taught in Tlaquepaque years ago, one of these beautiful trees was actually growing out in the courtyard of the school. While the traditional color is red, there are many other colors now available.

In Mexico, the Aztecs used these plants for dye and medicine. Franciscan monks then used them in nativity scenes. The star shape symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, while the red color symbolizes the blood of Christ.

Although native to Mexico, this plant was named after Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Back in the 1800s, he gave many of these colorful plants as Christmas gifts to family and friends. And poinsettias have increased in popularity over the years.

Nochebuena in Mexico is also the term used for Christmas Eve. This is the time of the big celebration, when families gather together to attend a mass at church and enjoy sumptuous dinners. This differs greatly from Christmas Day celebrations in the rest of North America.

I wish all my readers a holiday season filled with love, peace, hope and joy.

Merry Christmas!

Dec18

First Washington Now Winnipeg

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First Washington Now Winnipeg

This morning I wandered down to the tianguis on my street. It was a tad chilly, a mere 60 degrees. But the sun was shining brightly. And I’ve gotten used to seeing Mexicans wearing ski jackets and scarves in this weather. Lots of hats and gloves too. Me? A short-sleeve top instead of a tank top.

Washington was hit with a second atmospheric river. Once again the wind toppled trees and downed power lines. Lots of evacuations on the west side. And now there are blizzard and heavy snowfall warnings out across the state.

Winnipeg is completely shut down today as a massive blizzard attacked the city and the surrounding areas. Glad I’m not there either, although I do recall blizzards in the past when I braved those Winnipeg winters in my younger days. The good thing about a Winnipeg blizzard is that it blows in and blows out fairly quickly. While it does cripple the city, plows are usually able to clean things up fast. And the highways are not destroyed as is the case in Washington.

Highway 2 west of Leavenworth is closed. That is huge! Not only is this the most direct route to Seattle, it is also one of two main mountain passes between Leavenworth and Seattle. Landslides, mudslides and flooding have taken their toll. A fifty mile stretch of highway no longer exists. Barring any more inclement weather, it is predicted that repairs will be complete and the highway passable hopefully by the end of February.

The only other option is Blewett-Snoqualmie, a more scenic but less direct route also notorious for harsh winter weather. Delays are already all too common and now it will definitely take much longer to travel to Seattle with the increased traffic on this route.

I’m thankful that I’m here in Mexico, although I admit I do occasionally dream of a white Christmas.

Nov5

National Novel Month

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National Novel Month

November to writers is synonymous with National Novel Month. I’m usually traveling in November so I’ve never been able to participate. But I’m a homebody this month and decided to join in. The challenge is to write 1667 words every day and at the end of the month 50,000 words i.e. a novel.

I have put aside the third book in my trilogy for a while and have chosen to write on something completely different. It is fiction but has more of a lighthearted feel to it. While it is actually based on true events, names and places have been changed. And if I ever do decide to publish it, then a pen name is definitely mandatory. Only my closest friends have been told some details about this project. And it will remain that way for now.

The Blue Jays lost. I was amazed that the series actually went to seven games. I thought the Dodgers would have claimed victory much sooner. The Blue Jays really gave them a run for their money and they are to be commended for that.

Volunteer work for me here in Mexico is in the field of ESL. My adult conversation club is starting up again next week. I’ve had enthusiastic responses from participants and am looking forward to seeing them all again. My teenager starts this week and I am determined to keep him away from those videogames he loves so much; at least for 2 or 3 hours every week. Even more if he actually does his homework lol.

Both Halloween and Day of the Dead are done for this year. Now everyone is talking Christmas or La Navidad. Ricardo is even taking orders now for tamales. And he does make delicious tamales! I’ve already sampled some. So far my favorites are the mole dulce and the pina, with the rojas right up there as well.

What word contains 26 letters but only has three syllables?

Alphabet.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Dec23

Two Days

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Two Days

It’s two days after the winter solstice. It’s two days before Christmas. It’s two days before Chanukah. It’s twenty years since the first day of Chanukah fell on the same day as Christmas.

The TV in the background features Meet The Fockers. But of course I’m watching it in Spanish as I eat my breakfast. Yes I realize it’s almost two in the afternoon but I slept late this morning and lazily sipped coffee in bed until a half hour ago when my body requested food.

A quick trip to the corner tienda was quick although it was crowded. I think the whole neighborhood was there. Last minute shopping. And if you think Costco or Walmart are busy at this time of year, you need to check out this tienda. The owners had even recruited extra help for today. They also presented me with a Christmas gift — a reusable shopping bag that contained a large box of cookies.

Christmas Eve is the big celebration here in Mexico. Families go to church and have sumptuous meals together. I will be with a friend tomorrow night and will be attending a mass in a Catholic church nearby followed by dinner. It’s a tradition we have since I’ve been in Aguascalientes.

Merry Christmas! Happy Chanukah! Enjoy whatever holiday you are celebrating with friends and loved ones.

Dec3

Poinsettia

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Poinsettia

As I was scrolling through my newsfeed this morning, I found an article that was a refreshing change from politics and war. It was about the poinsettia and the story behind it. When I lived in Tlaquepaque, a school where I taught actually had a poinsettia tree growing out in the courtyard.

The poinsettia has its roots in Mexican culture, dating back to when the Aztecs used the red leaves to make dye and medicine for fevers.

Legend has it that this plant first bloomed after a battle near Taxco between Montezuma and the Chontales tribe. Apparently the Chontales were reluctant to pay their taxes. When the battle ended, the road to Taxco was a bloody one covered with dead warriors. Red flowers amazingly bloomed. The Aztecs believed that these flowers were sacred and that the souls of the dead returned as hummingbirds to drink from the petals.

There is another Mexican legend regarding poinsettias. Two very poor children wanted to bring a gift to Baby Jesus for the Christmas Eve service. But they had no money. An angel appeared and told them to pick some weeds and put them next to the Baby Jesus. They did and the weeds became beautiful red poinsettias.

Franciscan friars used poinsettias in their Christmas celebrations. They believed that the star-shaped leaves signified the Star of Bethlehem and that the red color was a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.

How did the poinsettia arrive in the United States? Joel Poinsett was the first American ambassador to Mexico. He adored these beautiful flowers and in 1825 brought them to the USA. Hence the name poinsettia.

Poinsettias are synonymous with Christmas all around the globe. While the most popular color is red, there are also varieties in pink, white and yellow as well.

I recall buying poinsettia plants when I lived in Canada. They were always red and I was never successful in keeping them alive for more than a few weeks after Christmas. I kept them indoors due to the frigid temperatures outside, but obviously they thrive better outdoors in a warmer climate.

Jan7

Jumping Into January

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Jumping Into January

On the playlist while I’m writing today are Simon and Garfunkel, Wednesday Morning 3 AM. Amazing what you can find on Spotify and You Tube. Also contemplating some Boston and Rick Neufeld. I’ll have to see how the mood goes.

Alaska Airlines, I’ve told you before that you’re my favorite airline. I also go out of my way to fly with you. But I am not impressed with what I heard about that flight out of Portland the other day. In fact, I don’t know that I may ever want a window seat again. Getting sucked out into space through a blown out window does not appeal. You have until April 2nd to do some maintenance on those 737 Max 9 aircraft.

Okay. That’s my rant for today.

It’s finally starting to warm up here. We’ve hit 70 a couple of times and we’re now supposed to be in the low 70s for the rest of the month. While it’s still below normal, it’s definitely better than the overnight lows of 34 degrees.

On Sundays I tune in to the livestream from Sage Hills Church in Wenatchee. Today there was an awesome guest pastor. I really miss going in person to that church and that is one thing I’m looking forward to when I get back in the spring.

In my last post I alluded to a mission I need to accomplish and friends have been asking me about that. Sorry but it isn’t time to give any more details just yet. I’m just starting to touch base with people who may be in a position to help me make that happen. The only clue you get right now is that it involves a trip to Canada.

King’s Day was yesterday and that’s the final event in the celebration of Christmas here in Mexico. And the kids actually are all back in the classrooms on Monday.

Speaking of classrooms, I was devastated to hear about the latest school shooting in Perry, Iowa. The most traumatic thing that ever happened when I was back in middle school was if we had a fire drill in the middle of winter when it was 40 below outside. I actually think I like those days better. I’ll take frostbite over a gunshot wound any day.

The war rages on in Gaza. Please keep praying for peace.

Dec28

Adios 2023 Bienvenido 2024

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Adios 2023 Bienvenido 2024

This will be my last post for 2023. It seems like just yesterday I was writing my last post for 2022. The older I get the faster the time flies by.

Highlight of the year was spending a magical weekend with my kids and my granddaughter in Brandon when I was in Canada last summer. I hadn’t been together with both of my kids together in eight years, and who knows when we’ll do it again. One of the dangers of my nomadic lifestyle is that I spend the year in two different countries where neither of my kids live.

It’s been a cold December here in Aguascalientes, very different from past years. Last night it went down to 34 Fahrenheit that translates to about 1 Celsius. We’ve also had a lot of rain which is very unusual. And they have the nerve to call it global warming!

Christmas Eve I found myself in church with my friend Gloria and her daughter Romina. Afterwards we had dinner with Gloria’s family. Then on Christmas Day we vegged and watched movies. I also had a video call from my granddaughter Madeline in Canada.

I still haven’t made it to El Centro to see the lights yet. But I plan to do that with a friend on Friday night. But I will have to bundle up. The high will only be 64 tomorrow and once it’s dark out the temperature will plummet. Last year I didn’t even need a sweater at this time of year. Now I layer and wish I’d brought my Columbia ski jacket with me this winter.

I’d like to wish all my readers out there a HAPPY and a HEALTHY 2024. And let’s all pray for WORLD PEACE.

Dec16

A Facebook Memory

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A Facebook Memory

I always glance at my Facebook memories every day. I find it interesting to see where I’ve traveled as well as the people I’ve met along the way. The memory that surfaced today is a bittersweet one. I had moved back to Winnipeg and both my kids were living there. I made an early Christmas dinner in 2009 as a friend and I were spending Christmas in Cuba that year.

I made a turkey and all my kids’ favorite dishes and desserts. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that would be the last time we’d be together for a Christmas dinner. But it was. The following year I moved to Mexico and I haven’t been back to Winnipeg since during the winter. While my son is still in Winnipeg, my daughter lives in Kelowna. And here I am in Mexico again for another Christmas.

I actually did spend Christmas in Wenatchee in 2020. I got an extended stay in the USA that year because of Covid. Otherwise I’ve been in Mexico for Christmas since 2010. And I’ve celebrated Christmas in a number of different places including Culiacan, Guadalajara, Mazatlan, Tototlan, Lake Chapala, San Ciro de Acosta and Aguascalientes. And I wonder where I’ll be next year.

Maybe when I go back to Canada in the summer I should have a Christmas dinner with my kids one year. That will take some planning seeing as my kids don’t live anywhere near each other. But it’s a thought.

Thanks for the memories, Facebook!

Dec11

Pinatas 101

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Pinatas 101

When I lived in Canada, one year my son asked for a pinata at his birthday party. Back then, the only way to make one was to blow up a balloon, slather it in yucky strips of paste, let it dry, pop the balloon to fill it with candy, and then decorate it. It wasn’t until I came to Mexico that I discovered the actual history of the pinata.

There are really two sources of information here. The Spanish missionaries who arrived in Mexico got the idea from the Italians who got it from the Chinese, namely Marco Polo. He spoke of the colorful decorations shaped like animals that he saw in China. The Nahuatl tribe in Mexico decorated pots to celebrate the god of war. When these pots were broken, treasure fell to the feet of the god.

The Spanish missionaries combined the two ideas when teaching catechism. They added seven points to the pots to form a star that represented the Satan. The points represented the deadly sins of pride, avarice, lust, anger, gluttony, envy and sloth. The blindfold represents our faith in Christ and hitting the pinata with a stick represents how good can conquer evil. When the pinata breaks, instead of gifts for a pagan god, the treasure is shared among the faithful. The treasure, in the form of candy represents the temptation to seek worldly pleasures.

Pinatas aren’t only for kids. I admit I have swung at a few here in Mexico. But I enjoy watching the kids scramble for candy when the pinatas break. It’s a great tradition.

Dec25

2022 Part 2

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2022 Part 2

I spent the entire month of July in Winnipeg. I’ve written about it in other blog posts so I’ll just touch on this month briefly. July 4th I found myself out at a cabin rather than celebrating with parades or fireworks as I usually do in the USA. It was nice to get out of the city. I enjoyed spending time with my son and my friends but on a more sad note I attended a funeral. I also replaced my laptop finally. The old one had died during Covid back in 2020 and my tablet had become my best friend.

The first week in August I was back out at the cabin and the following week I flew back to Washington. Leavenworth Summer Theater was in full swing and I enjoyed The Music Man and The Sound of Music. The latter production is a favorite and I try to see it every year. The mountain setting makes this show even more spectacular. I also began teaching four SAIL classes a week instead of the usual two in Leavenworth. The two new ones were in East Wenatchee.

The September long weekend this year was really special as my daughter and granddaughter came from Kelowna. I enjoyed showing them some of my favorite places in Leavenworth and Cashmere. The County Fair began right after they left and I hadn’t been to one in three years due to Covid. September was also the 9/11 Ceremony in Cashmere and Autumn Leaf Festival in Leavenworth. Sadly it was also time to start thinking about returning to Mexico for the winter. Every year it gets harder to say goodbye to friends for six months of the year.

Three flights and a short bus trip and I was back in Aguascalientes. I love my neighborhood. Las Flores doesn’t change much even though I leave for several months every year. It was nice seeing friends again and catching up. I really dived into my writing too. The lure of the new laptop was definitely a factor. My characters were also quite talkative and that certainly helped as well. The internet has also been much better this year too.

November began with the celebration of Day of the Dead. This is one of my favorite holidays in Mexico. The catrinas are always outstanding and even the tiniest shops have colorful decorations. The alters in remembrance of loved ones are also prominent. This year I opted not to go to a cemetery but merely admired everything as I strolled through the streets. The entertainment was amazing and venues were set up throughout the city.

Suddenly it was December and the last month of the year. Festivities were now geared towards Christmas and the Centro area turned into a magical fairyland of colorful lights. Music was an integral part of this celebration and I saw dancers, heard bands and watched children performing. The tienguis was larger than usual with more vendors. I didn’t trim a tree this year. Just didn’t get around to it. Writing occupied much of my time instead. I went to Christmas posadas and Christmas Eve was spent in church. The inevitable fireworks lit up the sky in Mexico as well.

A new year is just around the corner. Here’s to a fabulous one filled with Health and Happiness for all.

HAPPY 2023!