La Navidad

Christmas season in Mexico is long and filled with fiestas. People start getting into the spirit at the end of November with decorations and the like, and it really isn't over until Three Kings Day on the 6th of January. Starting on the 16th of December are nightly Posadas, parties that re-enact the search for an inn for Mary and Joseph. These end Christmas Eve or Noche Buena. We experienced a few of these although they were often too late for us, as the kids continued school until the 22nd!

We decked out the house with our Christmas Yucca (Nanne really didn't like it), nativities with moss and wooden barns, corn husk wreaths, twig reindeer and paper lanterns (these last are actually from China but a big hit around here).

The kids participated in a Posada at school where their class sang "Deck the Halls" in English. Go figure. Funny to hear them all singing "don we now our gay apparel" in very strong Spanish accents and no one, including Price and Nanne, knowing what the heck that means!

The blonde guy in front is actually not Jos but a Dutch friend married to a Mexican. They have twins at the school as well.

We also had a Posada at our tennis place which was when they gave out the awards for the Torneo de Navidad. Nanne somehow got herself in the line to give out prizes and shake hands with the victors. I got a certificate of participation and when they called me up they said: "Electa Jones" -- huh? I now display my certificate and new name proudly!

A bittersweet part of this time was the despedido or farewell party we threw for the McGah-Welch's. There were lots of people and our favorite restaurant up the street catered it with amazing food. Many guests brought their instruments and joined John in some great music. We sang late into the night. Ashley, John, Noelle and Aydan had become our family here and we were bereft to see them go.

Preparations for Christmas now began in earnest. We would be spending the holiday in San Miguel de Allende with Jos's dad and his friend Harriet Ballard. Luckily for us, Harriet's son is Tyler Clements and he and Lily and their girls were coming for the holiday!! Following their tradition, we chose Secret Santas and had to make them a gift. We took our task rather seriously. Price made Tyler a mask using Jos as his model. Now that's a good dad!!

The last day of school was a Monday and it turns out not many people went, 4 in P & N's class, including them! Oh well, Jos and I got some last minute shopping done. We headed to SMA on the 22nd. Harriet's house is amazing, a real work of art, and incredibly comfortable. Sadly, Tyler and Lily were delayed in Newark until the 24th, we were just so glad they made it at all. We settled right into the rites of Christmas.

Reading "Twas the Night Before Xmas;" hanging stockings; the tree and pinata after Santa's visit

Christmas Day was magical. The usual craziness of kids and presents, with a yummy meal in Harriet's incredible garden, and a pinata from Santa, just for fun.

We then spent a fun week enjoying old friends, new books and all the fun of San Miguel. There were shows by the kids and a lot of backgammon played by all. We took Lily and Tyler back to GTO for a few days and New Years Eve.

And when it was time to say goodbye, we headed off to Mexico City where Jos had gotten a great deal at the Four Seasons -- what luxury. We visited the Anthropology Museum and Xochimilco, an ancient part of the Aztec city of Tenochitlan, all of which fit into the kids homework of studying for their Mexican history test. We ate some incredible food and enjoyed some serious urbaneness for a few days. When we returned it was time for Three Kings Day and more presents before the kids and I resumed school and our more mundane lives. Jos's more interesting life will be the subject of the next blog!

This following video is a long one (5 minutes) and really meant for anyone under the age of 12, at least in spirit. It's one of the many shows put on by Calla, Nanne, Price and Eloise. It is very funny!