New Mexico Holidays

 

While I was living in New Mexico during the 2021 holiday season I was still so new to the state that I didn't get too full enjoy it. I got to see some of the decorations in Old Town, and tree lightings around but to get to fully experience what New Mexico eluded me for the year. All I can say is thankfully 2022 was different. Officially settled into the state I was looking forward to December more than most years, and while it was busy, I was lucky enough to be able to make the most of it. I know there are some things that I missed that will have to wait, but what I did made for a great time, and some might even become yearly traditions. Here are a few of my favorite holiday activities from the past month. 

River of Lights: It had been years since I attended a holiday light display, so I decided why not attend River of Lights to see if it was worth it. The answer is it was totally worth it. The way the Botanical Gardens was transformed was beautiful. The walking paths were spacious, so it never felt crowded, and then there were the light displays. The beauty of the lights started before you even entered, but once inside it almost became overwhelming. It was a total 360 degree experience with lights all around you in all directions. From lizards, bugs, and plants on the ground to birds and balloons suspended from the trees, there was no shortage of photo ops and displays to see. Some of the displays were even choreographed to music and had motion to them as well. River of lights embodied everything great about New Mexico, the winter season, and the zoo in one amazing experience. I almost felt like I had to go a second time this year because I am sure there was so much that I missed. While this may not become an annual tradition it is something I would attend again in the years to come, and something I would recommend for families or anyone wanting some fresh air and to enjoy the season. 

Cooking: Nothing screams the holidays more than cooking traditional family recipes. While I don't have any of those New Mexico related I had so much fun finding recipes and cooking them. Red and green chile were the first and while I have made it a few times before I finally found a successful recipe and was able to enjoy some delicious enchiladas with Christmas chile. I had also made biscochittos before, but finally after multiple attempts and practice they are finally coming out with that light as air texture that melts in your mouth. I love the flavor profile, so these little cookies have found their way into my holiday baking rotation. But this was the first year I made my own tamales, and while I still need some practice on perfecting the filling and wrapping them the process was enjoyable, and the end result was very tasty. I totally get why this is a family activity, and why they are made in such bulk and frozen for throughout the year. I went smaller with my batch but could see myself making a larger amount for next year. Anyone that knows me knows how much I love cooking and baking and making these traditional holiday recipes was very enjoyable, and will for sure become a holiday tradition in the years to come. 

Old Town: I don't need an excuse to go to Old Town, just the way it gets decorated for the holidays makes me want to go even more. I love how the mariachis dress up on top of Church Street Cafe, all throughout to the point it becomes a scavenger hunt to find them all. But there are two main reasons to go to Old Town in December. The first is to see the giant tree and how the plaza gets decorated. This year was beautiful with the massive tree all lit and white, the illuminated gift boxes in the plaza, and the few luminarias that line the tops of businesses. It is fun to walk around during the day, wait for the sun to go down, and see Old Town become all lit up. While there are luminarias all throughout the month the other reason to go to Old Town during the holidays is on December when the entire plaza becomes lined with these paper bags. I saw photos of it last year and was fortunate enough to see it in person this year and photos do not do it justice. The luminarias lining the walkways, roofs of businesses, and all along the church combined with the already festive decorations make for a beautiful sight that everybody should see at least once. I will more than likely do this again, but I also enjoyed my drive home and seeing the luminarias all through the neighborhoods. 

While those were a few of my favorite holiday activities there were plenty more like seeing the Christmas trees at all the local businesses, the gingerbread houses at the Pueblo Culture Center, the seasonal coffee drinks, and of course the Tumbleweed Snowman. In such a short time living here I am already finding new holiday traditions which only makes New Mexico feel that much more like home. 

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