Christmas Week: Day Seven - La Virgen de Guadalupe & Santa Lucia

The Magic of Christmas

The magic of Christmas is all around us: the sparkling lights, glowing tree, and wonderful traditions that fill us with love and happiness and remind us of what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. We've celebrated two special feast days over the last couple days: the feast day of La Virgen de Guadalupe and the feast day of Santa Lucia.

For many Mexicans, the beautiful Virgen de Guadalupe plays a central role in having faith.  She is revered, honored, and loved as the symbolic mother and patroness of the Americas.  On her feast day, everyone gathers before dawn in a procession to serenade her with beautiful songs in Spanish, accompanied by mariachis.  It is a symbolic gesture of faith, love, and devotion.    

Little Mama, my mom and I had our own procession, singing songs and bringing flowers to the Virgencita (a term of endearment).  We listened to her song, La Guadalupana, which Little Mama loved.  She requested it no fewer than five times.  "I want to hear it again." Sure!

I is for Inspiration

J  is for Joy

We're adding a few more letters to our Giving Tree.  First, J is for Joy.  Last night we celebrated the feast day of Santa Lucia.  The simplified story of Santa Lucia begins with a little girl named Lucia and her mother, around 304 A.D. in Italy.  The mother was miraculously cured from an illness.  In gratitude, Lucia convinced her mother to share their wealth with the poor.  She and her mom traveled by candlelight, secretly administering to the poor.  

Little Mama and I had our own candlelit procession, sharing joy and happiness with our neighbors.  We invited family and friends to come together to Christmas carol and eat delicious cookies.  It was a beautiful evening.  We processed to a few of the neighbors' houses and sang Christmas songs and delivered Christmas cheer.  The neighbors were so excited to receive us and Little Mama loved it.  Just to see her dancing while we sang Jingle Bells made the evening so worth it!  A successful evening of joy and cheer for all... 

For inspiration, I leave you with this ...