Just the thought of another Christmas in the tropics, on a boat, surrounded by palm trees and dolphins was depressing enough.  (Yeah, I know. Please don’t hate…)  Let alone the fact that I have hauled these winter clothes from Unspeakable merchandise of mine-only my favorites but enough to take up 1/4 of my closet -and have yet to wear them in nearly four years in Mexico. And my red cowboy boots, my favorite all-time shoes EVER, were in desperate need of a good work out. These boots are made for  walkin’…

What’s a girl to do? Rent a casita in the Mexican highlands where it is guaranteed to be cold, that’s what!

So this Christmas, Jeff and I rented a car and drove eight hours from Barra de Navidad to Patzcuaro, Michoacan for a week of bliss by a blazing fire and bundling up in our winter best. We packed our 3-foot Christmas tree, ornaments, lights, and stockings. We also packed coats, boots, carves, hats, fruitcake (!), cocoa, soup, and games. And Chance’s reindog outfit and his red fleece jacket. And his bed. And his food and toys. In fact, we packed more for our one-week trip than we do for our entire summers on he road!

We had previously visited “Patz” in October, 2017, when it was quite a bit warmer. We loved the Zocolo and mercado, the hiking and proximity to a lake. I had heard (on facebook) that it was beautiful during the holidays, and it did not disappoint.

The Plaza Grande was bustling with tourists and locals alike. The tourists were from other parts of Mexico, and we saw very few other gringos. (I think that’s because unlike us crazy Fredrick’s, most gringos head for beaches and warmth for their holidays in Mexico). There were lights and synchronized music, a giant Christmas tree, and giant-sized figures made of natural materials. Every day there were performances in the square, and our boatride to Janitzio Island had a group of local musicians serenading us. It was all very magical.

We’ve noticed something different in Mexican nativity scenes. The cradle is empty until late on Christmas Eve. Now, if I remember correctly (although I never really paid that much attention), back in the states, baby Jesus was just always there. Am I right? I asked someone standing there looking at the giant nativity “Donde esta baby Jesus?” He looked at me like I was an idiot or something before I nodded and thanked him (for what?) and slipped away.

Our friends from Atlanta, (but who we met cruising in the Bahamas) were on a tour of Mexico by camper van, and we were fortunate to spend Christmas together, as well as getting in some good hiking and sight-seeing. You can see their blog HERE.

We walked to the top of the island and then to the top of the statue, right into the fist!

Another day, we hiked up the Estribo Grande Mirador to the top of an extinct volcano. The views over the town and the lake were worth the huff it took to climb the 400 stairs to the very top.

It was a very special Christmas week. We are back onboard El Gato now, and ready to see what the new year will bring.

Oh. And the red boots? Never got to wear them. I hadn’t occurred to me that recuperating from a broken pinky-toe would preclude that joyous occasion. Sigh…maybe next Christmas.