There is no Christmas tree here and no evidence whatsoever of gifts having been exchanged. Nor is there any palpable letdown hovering in the air, that Christmas ether of dashed expectations common in affluent countries after the inevitable dissatisfaction with things. The day is a leisurely one, and I spend it all with the family. Guillermo Jr. and I chop wood for the evening fire. Guillermo Sr. helps Gemri with his homework.
Dorys cooks another handsome meal.
Less really is more. Stripped to its core, Christmas is slower, deeper, bigger. I feel fully present for the holiday for the first time in years. My cultural background leaves me feeling incomplete unless I wrap something up and hand it over. I've never spent a Christmas in my entire life, I realize, without giving at least one small thing to somebody.