CHRISTMAS 2020

Happy Holidays y Feliz Nochebuena from Casa Almanza. A bitter-sweet, home-bound holiday season saw us deck our halls with new magical ornaments, decorations and as much holiday cheer as we could muster.

To absent friends and family whom we love and miss dearly. To those we were able to see, albeit masked and distanced, with whom we pray and count blessings and continue to hope for safety.

The children were ready for Santa and the return of Alfie the Elf on our Shelf since the second Halloween ended. And we certainly are here to oblige…with cookies and gingerbread houses and enough hot chocolate to fill Wonka’s river. As the day drew closer — and we all know “the” day is December 24, at least for us — we prepared for a small indoor/outdoor fest with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Juan and Aunt Lindsey, Uncle Nico and TIa Lucia. We had several cups of holiday cheer, watched Mickey’s Christmas Carol under the stars, exchanged gifts and laughs. Gigi spent most of the time in Mom and Dad’s room because that’s her way right now, perfectly fine by us. Bashy and his vibrant personality, however, were on full display, and the joy on his face as he unwrapped gift after gift from so many grandparents and family members who adore him, absolutely worth its weight in foil-wrapped truffles. Gigi eventually allowed me to bring her two presents, a mini tea set and an ice cream play set. These amused her, and I backed out of my room genuflecting, thanking her highness for her grace. She then thew a teacup at my head. As we hummed “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and fought off the post cheer blues on the 25th, we were reminded what a wonderful thing it is to have family, near and far, love us so dearly.

Sure, we may also have aired some grievances, as the custom commands, but we mostly smiled and held back tears as we wished Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all, and to all … a good nap, because damn, we’re tired, y’all!