The Holiday Season Continued

To celebrate anything in Mexico it is essential that there is fireworks. They are shot off at any time of day, usually from the city square. I`m not sure if it is one person`s job or if it is various random people. Let`s just say that there have been lots and lots of fireworks. Sometimes it is one, other times it is several in a row. Sometimes it is every ten minutes and other times it is everyhour. Sometimes it signals that church is starting but we don`t know that schedule!?!?! Often it wakes Jason up but I usually sleep right through it.

Mexicans love to decorate and they go all out. Christmas is no exception. Most homes around town had lights outdoors, with a Christmas tree inside. There are many other knick knacks. They use real flowers in the churches so it smells great inside. There was even one of those big blow up Santa Claus decorations in the main square.

Christmas Day was very relaxing. After a family hosts a large party it is expected that guest will return again in the morning for leftovers. So we showed up as invited for 9:30 but everyone was still sleepy. The leftovers tasted just as good as the day before.

We spent the rest of the day enjoying each other`s company. We read books and did puzzles. The owner of our apartment dropped by with a present for us which was a great surprise. In the evening we joined together with everyone from Esprit for a turkey dinner and there was even cranberry sauce and stuffing with cheesecake for dessert.

The weekend before Jason had spoiled me by taking me into Xalapa for my birthday. We spent the night at a wonderful place that he had reserved. He was full of surprises! I didn`t know he`d reserved a room and upgraded to a suite. He also got a cheesecake mix that we prepared in our hotel . We went shopping (not his favourite thing to do) and he bought me silver jewellery. We even found a place that made great fries. Everyone was happy!!!

New Years was laid back for us. We enjoyed the live band at Esprit`s bar. The music was great. The band finished at midnight when the champagne was popped open. That was when the real celebrations began. Jay had been working alot so we didn`t have a really late night. I did get dressed up, which was fun. Only the second time since we`ve left.

Over all we were totally blessed. Our family here made us feel comfortable and a part of things. The time leading up to Christmas was a little hard. We missed the snow and the many other family events. But we made the best of it and had lots of fun!

Children have to wait until Jan 6 for presents. The day is called "Three Kings Day." That is their gift giving day. Yesterday you could see the kids playing with their new toys outside their homes. They also have this special bread. Everybody cuts their own piece because inside there is little plastic toys. If you get one it means that you are expected to bring a certain food to the next fiesta.