XMAS EVE--SANTA IS COMING TONIGHT......

It's Christmas Eve and everyone is very happy to see you.....

 Especially if you're delivering presents.....

And the girls helped with our visits.....

 After making our deliveries, we are delighted by a visit from this little elf....

Master Elliott---all the way from New York.....

 My kiddos are super happy to see him....

 As they are to have a visit from Uncle Lou and Aunt Sylvia.....

 I'm extra proud to show off the tree.....

 Grandpa shares some Holiday video with Elliott....

 And Solange says "Me too!  Me too!".........

 The real Mr. Christmas....

Somebody is going to be waiting for Santa tonight.....

 And now we're ready.....

 And set to leave....

So "Goodbye Christmas House!". We're off...
.

 To the Children's Midnight Mass at the Cathedral...

 The church is resplendent......

 And the ceremony is full of children.....

 Including Elliott who was not a bit shy to add his little voice to the discussion of the priest with the children....

 His proud cousin Frannie is practically "bursting her buttons" with pride--maybe now she knows how Grandma "D" felt on her very last Christmas....

When Francesca was "The Angel of the Lord" at the Children's Midnight Mass and Grandma "D" said that that was the best Christmas present she had ever received.  Keekers was a very reverent shepherd.

 The girls are beaming.....

 And so is Nicole's family!  It looks like Santa is going to be visiting EVERYONE at their house this year....

 The beautiful Baby Binks enjoys this wonderful period after the mass when the community of the parish gathers to rejoice....

 Like all these folks.....

 And these folks too...........

Outside, the priest greets the faithful...

 And we have placed our call to Dwight who is on his way....

 And so we take a short stroll from the Cathedral....

To the plaza ,where like lots of other folks from Mass, we enjoy the farolitos that have been lit for the occasion and meet Dwight , Giano and Keeks here....

 And then it's off to Santa Fe's premier Christmas party at Casa Delgado.... (For a complete story on their phenomenal party, check the December 2013 NEW MEXICO MAGAZINE that featured a seven page article on the party--including recipes!)

 Where folks are gathering to enjoy the outstanding eats....

 And convivial conversation....

 All the latest holiday fashions are on display.....

 Oh, those ladies in red!....

 And the celebration is on--"Ole!"....

 A lovely young lady with her brand new niece....

 And total amazement at the wonder that is Giancarlo....

 The Capshaws are merry and bright....

 And the Montoya cousins hold tight....

 As do some Ortiz cousins....

 A very pretty Mama....

 And one of our greatest gifts this season....

 Another blessing--the brilliant Miss Chiara!.....

 Old friends keep in touch...

 Que Viva!

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS......

 But now we go our separate ways as the children head out for the Farolito Walk on the east side of town....

 And Dwight and I head out to another bodacious party--also in the heart of "the Farolito District" for lots more fun....

 Homme Pensive--as the night wanes away, a few silent thoughts before leaving the party....

 I especially relish the blessing of having all the children here in Santa Fe tonight.....

And as we leave the party and head for home--MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL--AND TO ALL A "GOOD NIGHT!"