Southwest Christmas Traditions

One of the most distinctive and beautiful traditions in the Southwest, borrowed from Mexico, is the use of luminaria. These small paper sacks, filled with sand and a lighted candle are, placed outdoors on walls, rooftops and lining drives where they will light the way and welcome visitors during the holiday season.

Nativity scenes feature carved figures in native garb gathered around the Child and perhaps accompanied by a burro or coyote. The crèche will be made of stucco and adobe rather than wood.

Pine Christmas trees, with an Indian rug skirting their base, are decorated with hammered tin and woven wheat ornaments. Bright paper flowers mix with additional greenery and twig wreaths. Raffia bows tie up a string of bright red chili peppers or adorn fat candles in heavy wrought iron candlesticks. Tiny white lights sparkle on a beehive fireplace wall or in niches where wooden Santos and silver crosses stand.

We may not have a “white Christmas” here in the desert but we have our own regional traditions that make our holiday season uniquely bright and joyous.

by Jacque Ramsey