Sometimes all you want is a blueberry muffin.

Or a wheat bagel with cream cheese. I don’t know why I am torturing myself with these thoughts this morning, Christmas Eve, but there you go and there you are.
So far, Christmas here is the same but different. The same in that people do put out Christmas Trees and decorate them. I am not sure if presents are something that will come later or not. People go to church. Families get together and cook a ton of food and drink and are merry. The differences are more like what they cook---nacatamales etc. and drink---compuesto (fruity drink with liquor in it). Also, even though people here will all say it is “helado” or freezing out, it is probably about 65 or 70 degrees F outside.
I am missing friends and family a lot during this time—especially after looking at pictures of some of the newest members of my friends’ families—congrats to all the new babies!!! But realize how lucky Matt and I are to have each other and to have such an amazing host family here. While I go a little nuts for a variety of reasons some days---mainly because in my pre-PC life I was accustomed to a life of privacy and independence-and now sometimes I can’t use the bathroom, wash my face, wash my clothes, or eat exactly when (or what) I want to (we were so spoiled I now!)---our family here is composed of some of the most caring folks I have ever met---like our real family and friends back home.
Our host sister got married 2 days ago and made us her official witnesses. It was a civil ceremony and she had it in the living room of her house. Matt and I sat at a table with the soon to be married couple and the judge? And we swore to tell the truth and nothing but, or something to that effect (-: and at the end signed this big, official looking book. It was really neat and super touching that we were included in that way. Then we ate tons of food in her backyard with a handful of family and friends. Then there was a grand dance party in the living room, and for some reason, it is the highlight of the party if the gringos dance. Matt danced with all the ladies and a million pictures and memories were made. We stayed out until midnight (a first for me here) and marched home with our host mom, aunt, cousins, nephews and nieces….it really sort of reminded me of home and family events there….
So tonight, Christmas Eve, I think we are celebrating again but in our house. I am sure a dance party and nacatamales are on the list of things to do—dancing to ranchera and reggaeton may never get old….
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone at home. Love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Missing you tons and sending big HUGE HUGS and smiles to all of you.