It never really "looks like Christmas" here in the subtropics where snow falls every hundred years or so and the native poinsettias tower over walls and houses. Still, it seems somehow that there is more seasonal cheer than normal for this early in the season.

Already, in this last week of November, folks are bustling about trimming trees, planning holiday events, and finalizing plans for the parties, bazaars, and concerts that raise funds to assist those less fortunate. And, all this without a Black Friday sale in sight.

Thankfully here in Mexico we never get as caught up in that north of the border holiday shopping, spending, doing frenzy; that seems to be one of several lessons we've learned from our Mexican friends and neighbors. Oh, there are plenty of toys and gifts sold this month for Mexican giving, but the shopping and giving are not at the forefront of this holiday.

Here at Lakeside, just as the Grinch discovered down in Whoville, we've seen Christmas come with just as much joy and cheer for Mexican families who don't have a toy or gift in sight. For most of the folks we know, this holiday is about time with the family and friends.

Many attend simple gatherings; some are block party-style with folks visiting around bonfires, singing and dancing along to the music from the speakers they've brought out from the house. The food is also simple, and prepared ahead with several relatives pitching in to make kettles of tamales and ponche (Christmas punch) or hot cinnamon tea. Why didn't we think of that?

That's the theme of this issue—sharing the lessons of simple celebrations, love and joy we've learned from the realm of Mexican Christmas holiday traditions and customs.

Traditional holiday posadas, nacimientos, and toys
While we've shared scenes from Ajijic's annual posadas (processions which depict Mary and Joseph's journey looking for shelter) in other years' issues, our Feature Issue is a first glimpse for you readers of the slightly different customs in the neighboring village of San Antonio Tlayacapan. Mexico Insights writing team member Paul Boorah urges all of you to join in this series of nine processions in which an Angel leads Mary and Joseph in their search for an inn, and to a series of tableaus depicting biblical scenes with a heavy emphasis on the Christmas story. Along the way, the town's children learn the story of each scene and then rejoice when Mary and Joseph find their place in the church across the street from the town plaza.

I grew up with a nativity scene or crèche in my home. My children learned the Christmas story by arranging the 10 figures in and around the stable. Here in Mexico, that tradition has expanded to fit the country, and you're as apt to see figures of women patting tortillas and Mary doing laundry in the river. Many of the local nacimientos feature 200 pieces or more…all arranged into villages and vignettes. You'll find a series of Biblical stories reenacted in small nativity scene figures. Look for the Garden of Eden, Moses with the Ten Commandments, John baptizing Jesus and more, lots and lots more in this month's Out and About piece. Locally you'll find nativity scenes in the plazas of the area villages, and in many businesses, offices, front gardens, and homes.

There are plenty of remote control cars, fancy bikes, talking, walking and crying dolls in Mexican stores, but we're drawn to the delightful hand crafted wooden toys that have remained the same across the decades. Judy spent a wonderful afternoon in the state operated and price controlled Artesanias store in the Auditorium complex on the highway in La Floresta. There she found mounds of wooden whistles, trucks, airplanes and other examples of Mexico's favorite traditional toys. You can see pictures of these brand new, old-time items which were priced from a little more than 50 cents up to about $10 US. We're still wondering how craftsmen can do quality work for so little.

Celebrating the Virgin, luscious holiday desserts, and discovering the papelerias
Christmas and New Year's Eve are not the only holidays celebrated in December. All of the villages around Lake Chapala will also set aside from three to 12 days to honor the Mother of all Mexico—the Virgin of Guadalupe who appeared near Mexico City in 1531. This month's People Places and Things column spotlights some of our favorite pictures taken during past celebrations of the virgin, along with a dynamic poem about Guadalupe written by Bill Frayer.

Then take a little trip into the Mexican Kitchen to sample some of the quick and easy traditional desserts Chef Lorraine and Judy have whipped up. If you've sampled Chef Lorraine Russo's Jalisco Flan (or one of the many variations she creates with that recipe, you'll be anxious to get to this article. How does Rose Petal Flan sound, or perhaps a Coffee Flan? Then keep reading for the easy Rompope Mousse. You don't know Rompope? You need to get acquainted—soon! This thoroughly Mexican liqueur brings the taste of eggnog to desserts, drinks and anything else you can think of. Add a few local, in season strawberries, raspberries or blackberries and you'll have a cooling light dessert after a big holiday meal.

Next, come along as we head off to visit some of Lakeside's papelerias (stationary stores). You won't believe what all you'll find there and in some of the other small shops in town as you break out of your convenient one-stop generic shopping and start venturing into shopping the Mexican way.

Meeting a pair of Lakeside women
Harriet Hart is back this month introducing us to a recent Lakeside arrival Dilia Suriel, a Dominican Republic native who grew up in New Jersey. Now this vivacious lady is entertaining Lakesiders with her dynamic musical talent. Dilia sings her own brand of Latin-Jazz-Standards with a flair that is bringing folks back for more. Don't miss meeting this lady in the Community piece.

Then meet another newcomer, Patsi Krakoff, who has reinvented herself and created a niche profession—right from her Ajijic patio. Patsi who has a background in psychology and coaching as honed that experience and turned those talents toward the new worlds of technology. She is now coaching folks online, and in virtual seminars conducted by phone, as well as ghost writing and advising clients as they step into the world of blogging and other forms of modern communication.

Growing orchids at Lakeside and emergency neighbors
Botanist , gardening expert, and expert orchid grower Steve Frowine has written another article about growing orchids in Mexico. According to him, it's a natural combination, and success is just a matter of balancing light and location to the type of orchid. You can read all about it in the Homes and Lodging column this month.

Bringing up the end of our December line up is a very practical Health and Safety article…a print and save list of emergency numbers. Don't wait until you need this information, make sure now it's in an easy-to-find location. I keep mine taped to the base of the telephone in the bedroom and on my corkboard near my desk. Print it out right away. If you wait til the electricity is out, it'll be too late!

That's the line up for our 8th annual collection of holiday articles and this, our 97th issue. During these eight years, we've published between 1200 and 1300 articles for our readers. We're delighted to see that some of our first subscribers are still with us and still enjoying the information and pictures we produce each month. Like most businesses north and south of the border, the economic downturn of the past 14 or 15 months has also affected Living at Lake Chapala. The good news is that thanks to you, our subscribers we're still right here, researching and writing articles for those of you back home, as well as those who are already living here.

We're proud and happy to be leading the way into the New Year. We are especially glad to have all of you with us.

Until next year, Happy Holidays and Peace, Joy and Love,
Judy King, Editor and the Mexico Insights writing team