Christmas

Christmas will not be the same this year without Clay, Syd, Tiff, Les and Shredder.  We will really miss them all!
It was our understanding that Christmas in Mexico was a religious holiday without Santa Claus and the gift giving.  The giving of gifts takes place on January 6, Three Kings Day, the day that the kings gave gifts to the baby Jesus.  Near the beginning of November, we were surprised to hear Christmas carols being played in the supermarkets.
The square near our home was decorated and people began selling poinsettias.

Work areas were built to make pinatas and ropes were put up to display them.  Most of the pinatas are built around a clay pot that would be smashed to release the prizes inside'  They are really creative and beautiful.

Mini Mouse- a Christmas present for Tiff

Pinatas ready for decorations

 

Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe is a week long festival when flowers and drawings of The Virgin of Guadalupe are paraded through the streets along with loud fireworks to ward off evil spirits.  Adults and children sometimes dress in traditional costumes.

Our friend and neighbour, Alan, is coming and will be here for Christmas. Our family tradition is that we celebrate on Christmas Eve with lots of small presents, champagne and many hors d'oeuvres.  We will do the same here.  We decorate our outdoor living area and we have many small presents to open.

Alan in new shirt and hat. "STUNNING!"

new shirt

looking good in new pajamas

After a leisurely Christmas Day, we have Christmas dinner at Coconuts.  Coconuts is located in one of the oldest buildings in Zihuatanejo and it is one of our favourite restaurants for special occasions.  The dining area is in a garden with hundreds of small white lights.  The food is always great and the waiters are wonderful and fun. For some of us old guys, it is reminiscent of days gone by in the landmark restaurant in Toronto "Fentons"!

Char Grilled pork chop with creamy mashed potato, flame charred pink lady apples and house made mango chutney and apple sauce

Hats always make an evening more festive

Our favourite waiter who says he looks exactly like Brad Pitt - and he does!

We did miss the kids, but with the help of our friend Alan, we had a very memorable Christmas.