Family Christmas in Mexico
Amy arrived on December 22, and Danny and Mei arrived the following day. It was a treat to be together as a family again, so soon after our Thanksgiving in New York City.
During the warm, sunny days, the girls shopped in the Artisans Market and the many stylish boutiques around the main plaza. At the big Christmas tree, mojigangas entertained passersby. In the center of El Jardin, the nativity scene - complete with angel and devil - had been revealed.
In the cool evenings, we dined out and then relaxed at home with a favorite family tradition: popcorn and Christmas movies, including our favorite, While You Were Sleeping.
¡Feliz Navidad! On Christmas morning, most of us slept in. We took our time with breakfast - Steve’s delicious scrambled eggs and flaky pastries from our favorite panadería. Then it was time to open gifts. Mei gave us all hydrating face masks (exactly what my poor, dry skin needed). Amy had a mystery jigsaw puzzle for me and online cooking classes for Steve. Danny had created a diabolical puzzle for the whole family: just one cryptic clue for each of us. We put the clues and our heads together, and with a little help from ChatGPT, we solved it! It warmed my heart that our kids knew us so well and had such perfect gifts for us.
In the afternoon, we took a walk to the main plaza for a family photo at the big Christmas tree. Just like locals, we sat on a bench in El Jardin and did some people-watching. A surprising number of restaurants and shops were open, including a little place where we tasted some delicious olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Back at home, we spent the evening with another family tradition: pu pu platter and a board game. We taught Mei how to play Settlers of Catan, and she handily won!
We enjoyed being together over the next several days. We did a walking tour and enjoyed some special dinners out. And there was more shopping! We found lovely silver rings - garnets for Mei and Amy, a Mexican opal for me - and enjoyed meeting the jewelry maker and his family. Amy bought handcrafted souvenirs for her friends. Danny and Mei bought cowboy boots in León. We also played more games of Catan and watched more movies.
The week was a wonderful combination of new experiences and familiar traditions. As long as your family is together, you are home.
