Happy Holidays From The Land of Enchantment

Traditions - The Christmas holidays in Albuquerque, New Mexico are, like most other places, a time to share traditions by getting together with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and having festive meals together. In New Mexico, however a rich cultural blend of native and newer traditions add enchantment that makes a difference. The traditions of 19 native pueblos combined with enriching ideas from a constant stream of newer residents from across the nation and the world create varied and interesting holiday experiences.

The experiences start in the pueblos. Whenever I visit a pueblo, people invite me to return to celebrate Christmas or New Year's Eve with them because each pueblo has pride in its unique traditions, all of which include light or bonfires. If the weather should permit, this is the year I will make it to one.

The Posadas, probably dating back to the arrival of the first Spanish settlers, and still celebrated in pockets in cities across the state, offer another opportunity to participate in a uniquely New Mexican Christmas tradition. Whether your are Christian or not, on Christmas Eve you can join the party re-enacting the Christmas story and accompany Mary and Joseph going from house to house seeking a shelter or you may choose to simply go to your church as Christians all over the world will do.

Also on Christmas Eve, you can drive through New Mexico city neighborhoods to see the display of lights. Many, giving the landscape the distinctive southwestern appearance, are the farolitas or luminarias that outline sidewalks, driveways, and rooftops. Many are still hand-made, assembeled with sand, paper bags and candles or may be modernised electrical. Nob Hill and Old Town, Albuqueruque, for wxample, close streets to allow people to stroll through and enjoy the enchantment of the glow.

Christmas - On Christmas Day, the pleasures of a rich cultural heritage continue in the interesting flavors of traditional and other foods that grace the holiday dinner table. Whatever else you may have, be prepared for the unique New Mexico red or green chile flavor in dishes like posole and tamales. At The Christmas table, it is a good place to start preparing for the ubiquitous question when dining out in New Mexico - red or green?

Happy Holidays from the Land of Enchantment!