Hola <<First Name>>,
It interests me that, in my northern culture, we end the year with (mostly) religious celebrations and then quickly pack them up and store them in the attic, closet, or garage, so we can get on with it. On with what? The New Year, I suppose.
The southern pace again draws me in. Starting with Virgen de Guadalupe day, December 16, the next twelve days of Christmas ready the celebrant with Posadas up to Christmas Eve. But then, they get Christmas Day, Día de los Inocentes (December 28), Los Reyes Magos (January 6) and, depending on who got the Rosca cakes’ baked in doll, parties go on to Día de la Candelaria (February 2). My website includes past articles covering these check-points along the celebratory Christmas path.
Gracias to the insights given by a second culture, I blend this time on the calendar, taking what I like from both cultures to create my own ritual. This year, my play,
The Wise Ones, was resurrected from 2015 and encored at the First Congregational Church, Brainerd. Reed played the part of Gaspar, in his purple Vi-King (Farve) jersey and flowing purple, elephant print headdress, as he might have ridden an elephant to the manger. Barb played Melchior, in her long skirt, dangling earrings, full-body apron, carrying a mixing bowl and map. Sara, Baltazar, the youngest wise one, came equipped with her techno Tablet. You get the idea. Start watching at 28:00 minutes:
https://www.facebook.com/uccbrainerd/videos/706988161018201
Tweaking the Reyes Magos story allowed me to include highlights of their varied historical backgrounds and present-day cultural celebrations. Why, in some countries, a priest throws a cross into a chilly river for young men to retrieve! Barb, an actress of great talent and quick wit adlibbed, “Sounds like our Polar plunges!”
Check the blog post
Y2K and 2023 and consider how you use your past to envision your future. (click link to open blog post)
There you go. Take the plunge. We’re into another year. Another chance. Follow a star. Ride an elephant. Visualize your route. Ask Alexa. Stop for hot dish. Adlib. May you have good health.
Feliz Año Nuevo,
Profe Jan(et)
