We paired down Christmas when we lived back in the States. Once the kids were grown and moved away, starting families of their own, our Christmas traditions narrowed down to the basics. We still attended the children’s mass on Christmas Eve (with close friends) at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in DC and ate till closing at a local Italian Restaurant that always expected us. Christmas morning was homemade cinnamon roles. The tree (now fake) went up sometime in mid-December and back in the box the first weekend in January. Sent out Christmas cards, but did little decorating, and certainly no exterior lights.
During our move to an apartment, downsizing in preparation fo retirement and expat life, all that was left of Christmas past was the religious observance. We put the old ornaments away, and even stopped exchanging gifts, since that just added to the stuff we needed to get rid of.
That paired-down approach continued once we got to Mexico. Without the change of seasons, Christmas falls into the same perfect weather as the rest of the year (yes, I know, as youse NOB shiver in the snow, you feel SO SORRY for us!). Gradually, we’re adding back to the Christmas traditions.
Of course, my official Charlie Brown Christmas Tree makes its annual appearance, along with one of Judy’s amazing quilts:
Here’s our new Mexican tree. Not enough evergreens here, so this captures the spirit:
In case you missed them in the last photo, yes, that is the complete set from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!
Another of Judy’s holiday quilts which made the cut to Mexico:
A child’s handicraft which survived the years:
and our latest additions. Expats drink a lot of wine–or at least we do–so you need to fashion up those ubiquitous bottles. We have little sombrero and poncho kits for them, but nothing says Christmas like a Santa wine bottle!
¡Feliz Navidad!
Pat, I loved the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer plush toys. How, though could you possibly claim it as a complete set without the choo-choo train with square wheels from the Island of Misfit Toys? I did enjoy the water pistol that shoots jelly, though. Does it have real jelly?
Nope, no live action on the jelly pistol. I had the complete set, but your question led me to Google it, and sure enough, they have created multiple new “lots” including the lion king of the island of misfit toys, Rudolph’s parents, Santa, Charlie-in-the-box, and more!
Pat’s Charlie Brown Christmas Tree was a regular decoration in the office! Kinda like the Notre Dame helmet.
Here’s a Christmas Carol, “O Holy Night,” for everyone in Mexico to enjoy.
https://youtu.be/_tTv2jXL8uI
Merry Christmas and God bless
Yes, Mike, that’s the one. I almost bequeathed it to the office, but decided it had to go south with me. Thanks for the beautiful video!
I think you have been in Mexico too long.
It is time to pare down the time spent south of the border. God bless both of you. Sharon and Dad
no tengo nada idea de que tu hablas
Merry Christmas you two! I’m not on Facebook much, but it’s snowing here this morning and I decided to take a look, enjoying my coffee in front of the fireplace. I hope both of you are doing well! I think the last time I checked you visited the kids. Everyone looks great.
We have a new addition to our family, Norah whose almost 6 mos now. Oliver will be 3 in March. They keep me busy. I get down to Burke at least once a month. Brian was married in October to his bride Ashley and they just bought a town home in the Elliot city area.
Craig is with General Dynamics and he’s thinking another 3 years before retiring. Not sure what adventure awaits us, but we know we will follow the sun!
Have a blessed Christmas and New Year! Love to you both❤️🍷
Lisa