Day after Christmas

---

Hey everyone hope you all had a Christmas Day! Rick and I did a lot of walking and people watching in the Zocola. The place was crawling with people from all over Mexico and tourists too. Started out to be warm today so feeling much better about that even though you won't catch me without a coat close by. Walked by some gringos and heard her saying about how chilled she was and her son said "Well at least it isn't raining!' Amen to that they must have been from Oregon/Washington LOL Anyway can't wait until some of the festivities are over and we will start exploring the outside areas around SMA but for now so much to see right here.
Last night we attended the Christams Posada at the neighbors. People started arriving about 8:00pm. I would say with kids it was about 200-250 people. A woman recited the long story of Mary and Joseph looking for shelter, lots of praying and some singing (all in spanish of course so hard for us to follow) Then they walk around with the baby jesus which you kiss then someone follows with a plate of sweets this goes on for about 30 minutes as everyone kisses each of the 7 or 8 baby jesus. Then they pass around the local Christmas drink Ponche which is a spiced Tea very delicious and much needed as it was freezing by this time of night. Then they brought plates of food to each person. The food was delicious, a Pork with Red sauce , rice,beans and bollios (small rolls). Very tasty! Then they pass around these bags of candy from each of the familys with the babys (More on this in pictures Please read very interesting). It was a great thing to participate in and feel very fortunate to have been included.

---

Photos

Fancy Door
Just liked this!

Outside the Market
The flowers are so amazing. This is like a altar area outside the market a shrine to Guadalupe for Christmas. Saw them cleaning it later and now it is just an area with lots of pretty plants.

Inside a church
This is one of the most beautiful churches inside and out. I wanted to get mopre pictures but didn't want to be so obvious. No service was being held during this photo shot!

Inside Church
If you have ever been iside of these big Catholic Churches you know all about the many statues depicting saints in various poses. Could be a little creepy if they are not done well these ones were.

Local Police
They just ride around more for a presence than anything I think. They are dressed in original uniforms from the 17th century very cool!

Nativity Scene at the Zacola
This scene they brought in live animals. The baby goats were so cute!

Fantastic Doors
As you can see the doors are so beautiful and Big! Rick standing in front to show you the size. Oh yeah another church LOL

Rick at Comedor
Rick eats his way through our travels. Here he is ordering some Shrimp Tostados. Muey Rico

Taking Orders!
A interesting booth next to the Comedor. A little bit religious a little bit Voodoo! Not sure if it will work but may give it a try I mean what the heck right LMAO

More Voodoo
They offered many different sprays here

More Altars
Just love these altar areas all full of flowers

Local Street
Oh yeah I was standing in a church courtyard here looking down this street. One of the many we walked. Did I mention it is also really hilly here getting quite the workout!

Baby Jesus
We had been seeing women all over carrying these babys but weren't sure about what was going on. Well last night we found out. They have a tradition that is passed down along with these Porclean babies from one family member to another member that is willing to do this every year until they too pass it down. The baby is this photo was passed down to a young man from his aunt who had for 30 years and was passed to her. On Christmas day they must be carried and kept warm and safe through the whole day. They also take the baby to church while praying in days leading up to Christmas. They take this very serious. This man was born here but lives in Texas with wife and child. They drove here to participate in their familys Christmas Posada that is how serious it is to this family and many others I am sure.

Sweet passing
After kissing the baby esus this the platter of sweets.

Hugo and Marias House
This is where they had the Posada last night. The house opens up in the back which has an amazing view of the city,

Our Haul
These are the small bags they pass around like gifts to everyone who attends. At first did not know why everyone was carrying around empty bags now we know it was to carry home all their loot. We gave away half the bags we got to other children. Today we will pass out to some in the Zocola.

Comments

[Jenn]

Nice photos!
Really enjoyed these! Thanks.

[Susan]

Feliz Navidad!
Hi Kimberly and Rick- Many thanks for sharing your lovely Christmas in beautiful San Miguel- I'm there in spirit thanks to you! We had a warm Christmas here in Chiang Mai, but missed you guys... maybe next year? Keep those great photos coming... I'm enjoying the trip! Hugs from the Land of Smiles, Susan, Robert et al

[lisa]

Feliz Navidad
Que Bonita! I love Mexico.... The richness of the culture must be so evident at this time. I love the addition of the video, I want one of those! You both deserve this Holiday together.. I have never been to SMA, looks like a beautiful place. How long are you there? Made a few hundred in Jewelry. enjoy. Lisa

[Joe]

Happy Holidays
Rick and Kimberly: Thanks for sharing the photos and captions. It rained Christmas and has been raining since. Pretty wet here...you're not missing anything. The forecast is for snow on Wed- the 29th. The city looks like a photographers dream. Wish we were there! Keep it coming Kimberly, we love it. Love you both! Joe and Linda

[Laura]

I can paint your basement door to look just like that one you like!

[Wandering Gal]

LMAO
No I think I will just enjoy my picture Thanks anyway Laura!!