I fully expect that tonight, Christmas Eve, will be nothing less than magical, as it is nearly every year in New Mexico.1 New Mexicans in Albuquerque and parts south will line their houses and walkways with luminarias, while northern New Mexicans will put out farolitos.
Luminarias and farolitos are exactly the same thing — a paper lunch sack with a layer of sand and a lit votive candle — but many of us have very strong feelings about what the truly correct word is.2
If you’re in New Mexico, here’s hoping you’ll be able to see at least a few luminarias tonight, even if only in your own neighborhood. If you can, I urge you to spend at least a few minutes walking around one of the neighborhoods known for its luminarias.3 On Christmas Eve, warm and friendly folks totally outnumber the grinches grouches.4
Wherever you are, whatever you celebrate, please accept my very warmest wishes for a happy and safe holiday weekend.
I should also mention that Christmas Eve during daylight hours is usually pretty wild, and generally not in a peace-on-earth, goodwill-to-men way.
Click here to learn more about the annual controversy.
Some of those areas in Albuquerque include: Old Town and the neighborhood immediately east; Country Club area (south and east of Old Town); and the Ridgecrest area.
Here’s last year’s Christmas Eve post, just in case you want to see more photos and read almost exactly the same thing, only with slightly different words.
Beautiful and inspiring photos, Lisa. I hope you enjoyed your 2022 outing as well. Best to you this holiday and all through the new year.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!🎄