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Grrr…..
Archive for December, 2004
This was our first Christmas in our first house, which is a big enough milestone to make for a memorable holiday. But this year, my uncle, whom I haven’t seen for more than an hour at a time in almost 6 years, visited from Albuquerque. Sure we grabbed lunch 14 months ago when I had a quick trip to Albuquerque, but that’s not the same as a good visit! Plus, my in-laws also came to visit.
Now, most people cringe at the mention of in-laws. That word can make even the most patient people shudder. But, I am blessed with what I have to say must be the best in-laws in the world. They are supportive while letting us stand on our own, and I really do see them as friends. Having been in a relationship many moons ago where my significant other’s parents viewed (and treated) me as the evil interloper, I am always thankful that my in-laws bless and welcome my marriage. But that topic is enough for a whole new post (heck, make it a series)!
On Christmas Eve, I had 9 family members over… 2 moms, 2 dads, a sister, 2 uncles, and an aunt (oh, yeah, and don’t forget the spouse!). That’s a full house. But instead of full, it felt comfortable. At one point during the evening, I had to go upstairs for some reason. As I was walking down the stairs, I was stopped in my tracks by the sounds of my family reveling in each other’s company. Laughing, yelling, talking… I sat on the stairs for a few minutes and just listened, and smiled. How can one feel nostalgia for a newly experienced moment? But that’s what I felt. Perhaps it was the immediate recognition of a treasured memory.
It’s so easy to take our relationships with our loved ones for granted. But as I sat on the stairs and listened to my large and boisterous family, I was swamped with affection and pride. This is MY family, I remember thinking. At that moment, I felt an indescribably strong connection to every person in my living room. At that moment, I felt the strongest gratitude and love for my family than I have ever felt before. I hope to never forget the warmth, the security, and the contentment of that moment.
Another Christmas come and gone–I can’t believe it. I feel like a kid again, hoping against hope that it would last forever. I am 28 years old, and I can safely say that this was the best Christmas ever. EVER.
We had a wonderful visit with all of our guests, and I thoroughly enjoyed playing host to all of them. It was hectic and exhausting, but I’ll do it again in a heartbeat. This year I’ve been feeling a bit homesick for the New Mexico Christmases of my childhood. To forge a connection to those yesterdays, I decided to set out luminarias on Christmas Eve. My husband was concerned that my Texas neighbors would be scared of dozens of paper bags filled with an open flame, but I was determined! And I am so glad I was, because they turned out beautifully. We got a few quizzical stares from the passers-by, but my house was the prettiest on the block. 
For those who are familiar with the process, you take paper bags (just the little lunch bags) and fold down the top. This helps them stay open. Then you fill the bottom with sand, just enough to anchor the bag (a couple of inches will do). You place a votive candle in the sand, light it, and voila! You have a luminaria (also known as a farolito). When I was growing up in Albuquerque, one of our Christmas Eve traditions was a trip to the Ridgecrest area. Everyone in the neighborhood would line their yards with luminarias. Oh, if you have never seen this, you MUST. I know it’s hard to imagine that a paper bag with a candle could be pretty, but it is. They positively glow! And when you see hundreds of them, as you will in Ridgecrest, it’s as if you’re transported into a fairytale. They exude peacefulness and simplicity. Our display was nothing like Ridgecrest, but it helped me forge a connection to some of my best childhood holiday memories.
Stay tuned for part 2, coming tomorrow!
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