Christmas Wish

On Tuesday night, I attended 'Feast of Guadalupe Celebration & Concert' at the National Hispanic Cultural Center with my mom and neighbor, Elsie. What a wonderful event to celebrate Christmas! Whether you are a person of faith or not, to see how the devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated through the Hispanic and Indian cultures is very special. There were many musicians and dancers from our own state and Mexico, including Matachines Indian dancers from Juarez, Mexico; student performers from the University of New Mexico; Mariachi San Jose; Ballet Folklorico of Albuquerque; and Trio Los Trinos.

There is nothing like Christmas in New Mexico! With our unique and diverse population and the desire to preserve our culture through dances, folk singing, storytelling, etc., it truly lives up to our motto: 'The Land of Enchantment'.

Soon we will see the luminarias lighting up the plazas in Albuquerque -- in Santa Fe they are called 'farolitos'. We see how families get together and share the Christmas spirit: the spirit of giving, sharing, spending time with friends and family. Not to the mention the posole, chile, and biscochitos. What a magical time!

Through my dad's writings and stories, I understand and appreciate more deeply the spirit, heritage, and culture of New Mexico. I am proud of my cultural heritage -- Mom's Spanish blood coarses through my veins and mingles with the Hispanic and Scots/Irish blood from Dad. It is said that my great-grandfather spoke Spanish with an Irish brogue.

And so as the kids get older and wonder what Santa is going to bring them, I remind them what the holidays are truly about. Of course, at this age, all they hear is static. They are told that Santa will bring what he thinks is best for them. It's not about all the gifts and material stuff. The magic is in the spirit of celebration and traditions within our families. I'd like for the boys to appreciate that someday.

LUMINARIA
Marking safe passage
as in millennia past
like a grounded star

VISPERAS
Listen to the psalms
after dark the night before
village fiesta

(Dad's haikus)