Thursday, December 25, 2008

FELIZ NAVIDAD!

We were up well past midnight to enjoy the traditional Christmas Eve fireworks extravaganza. Told hubby that next year we need to have some of our own :-) The fireworks tapered off by one but people were out on the streets until about 4 a.m. It felt a bit more like 4th of July than Christmas, but that's just my home culture showing through.

And now we're getting ready to head out for a picnic with our co-workers. That is their Christmas tradition. Not sure where we're going, because they don't know. They just plan to drive into the Sierras until they see a nice place to stop :-) We'll follow happily along, with our contributions for the meal: potato salad and a "birthday cake" for Jesus -- one of our Christmas traditions.

Instead of ham we'll be feasting on grilled beef. Instead of mashed potatoes and gravy, potato salad. Instead of snow and ice and snuggling up under quilts, we're wearing our sleeveless shirts and sun visors. But despite how different it is from what we're used to, IT'S STILL CHRISTMAS.

Feliz Navidad!

5 comments:

Mari said...

Merry Christmas to you. You're right - it's still Christmas, regardless of the way it is celebrated.

Lhoyt said...

This is somewhat like the background of Irving Berlin's song "White Christmas". He was living in Central California, and the sun was shining, the temperature was moderate, and not a chance at snow. A first generation American, he had been raised in NY City, at a time when his Jewish people were looked upon with disfavor, but he still loved America and American customs. Though he was still in America, he felt that pull toward the people and places and climate where he had grown up.
Yes, I love Argentina, and yes, I enjoyed the festivities there, but at Christmas I still felt that pull toward the American way, the snow and the extended family. The purpose for being there, and the joy of seeing people grow in the Lord offset this yearning most of the year, but Christmas was an emotionally charged time for me.

Lynn

riTa Koch said...

We'll think of you on the 4th of July when it is snowing in the sierras, and send you some warmth!
¡Felices fiestas!

outdoorgriller said...

That sounds like fun I love grilling during the holidays.I also do it under the eves when it is raining.If you want more recipes or if you want to take a look at the collection of tips I have for grilling you can visit www.cookingandgrillinoutdoors.com

outdoorgriller said...

That sounds like fun I love grilling during the holidays.I also do it under the eves when it is raining.If you want more recipes or if you want to take a look at the collection of tips I have for grilling you can visit www.cookingandgrillinoutdoors.com