the real Santa Claus

Did you know that the character Santa Claus is based on a real person? This is a statue depicting that man.

The real Santa Claus was born to wealthy parents in Europe. They became sick during an epidemic and died, leaving him an inheritance. What he did after that is what made him famous and was the origins of the character we know today as Santa Claus. Nicholas gave his wealth to the poor, the sick and the suffering. He was known for his generosity toward those in need and his love for children. He dedicated his life to serving others and was a prominent leader in the Christian church at the time. Nicholas was persecuted for his faith and even spent some time in prison.

Today, we don't spend enough time talking about the origins of the man with the white beard who is known to  give gifts. We have turned him in to a cartoon-ish figure that likes to drink hot chocolate, lives with elves and rides in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. That stuff is fiction, but the truth should be celebrated. A life well lived is worth remembering. It is worth striving for.

May the spirit of generosity to those in need and who are suffering be with you this Christmas day...and every day. 

Just Sheri, reminded to live a life of generosity when I see the man with a white beard and red suit

Santa Fe Christmas (meal)

I was secretly hoping to avoid a repeat of my turkey experience on Thanksgiving. In a conversation with my friend Angela it came out that around Christmas my family has different traditional foods. She suggested we serve those for our Christmas dinner...I am so relieved.

If you have been a long time reader of this blog than you know what foods this Hispanic girl equates with Christmas. You might remember the case of missing tamales?

Well, in honor of my heritage our menu for Christmas dinner will consist of the following:

• posole - a spicy (at least the way I like to eat it) soup made from hominy
• red chili beef enchiladas - the chili is a recipe I have used for years from my Tia Nita...and no, it is not the stew many eat on cold days with beans and meat. This is a sauce made from ground chili peppers. Mmm, good!
• pinto beans cooked slowly over the course of the day to allow the flavors to simmer and the smell to fill the air. I can almost smell it now.
• tamales from my hometown of Santa Fe courtesy of my mother who knows what makes me happy. I am so glad that Posa's delivers. My mouth immediately started watering when I saw the package on the doorstep that said "Santa Fe Tamales" in the from line.
• tacos - a suggestion from my dad for those who might not like the spicy as much as I do

When living in Kansas, my friend Elaine and I would have a Santa Fe Christmas (meal) together each year. Even in my absence she keeps the tradition, it has become her families tradition to eat enchiladas. I love that!

What are your families food traditions for this holiday?

Just Sheri, looking forward to a Santa Fe Christmas (meal) in Virginia

Black Friday: an American tradition

Kelsey asked me to take her out for Black Friday. I agreed, but told her that I will be keeping my Black Friday tradition. 

K: what's that?

S: since I was young my dad would ask me to go with him. I go, but I reserve the right to complain. If that is an acceptable condition, then I will be up in the morning for Black Friday.

Kelsey agreed to my one condition as no one else was willing to participate. This photo is of us around 6am the morning after Thanksgiving.

For those who read this blog and are not familiar with the concept of Black Friday, let me explain.

In the United States, the day after Thanksgiving thousands of people (likely millions across the land) rise before the sun. Some dedicated individuals even camp out the night before or plan all night excursions for this annual event. What is it that has so many forgoing sleep? What could be so urgent a matter?

SHOPPING!!!

Black Friday traditionally marks the beginning of the Christmas season. To American's Christmas equals presents and presents equals shopping. Stores know that after consuming turkey our minds have already raced to the next thing we must do...and Christmas is on the horizon. Let the frenzy begin!

For us, the first stop was McD's for coffee and breakfast. I snapped this to document the event. The restaurant had been opened since 3am and it was buzzing by the time we got there.

My sister-in-law works in retail. She had to be at work by 4am that day. My brother said, "who needs to go shopping at 4am?" Apparently, there are many. Is this sane? Can someone, please, explain to me why we do this?

I have done it for years, when I am in country I am probably up before dawn for Black Friday (always reserving the right to complain). When living in Kansas I hit the shops around midnight with my friend Fiona. She wasn't originally from the US, but she caught on quickly. She came with organized lists, coupons and adverts. Fiona knew who did matching discounts and where the best deals on the hottest items would be. In my world she still holds the title of "Black Friday Queen." I stood in awe at both her organization and at our behavior...people will literally claw one another for a toy. Every year there is some sad story of someone being trampled to death when a store opens or when a desirable item is unveiled.

In case you didn't already know...in America we like our stuff, we like it a LOT.

Just Sheri, physically present but reserving the right to complain

Deck the Halls

I was wondering the other day if it is possible to enjoy Christmas and decorating for Christmas without the cold. When we were in Cambodia for Christmas and it was 95 degrees outside and I felt zero interest in decking the halls. I had packed two tubs of Christmas decorations and brought along small lighted trees, but had no Christmas spirit encouraging me to pull them out and put them up.

This year I am freezing and not loving it, but I feel the Christmas spirit. What do you think? Is it possible to enjoy Christmas and decorating for Christmas without the cold? If so, where? I'd like to live there.

Here are a few of the Christmas decorations in the home we are staying in this year.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Tis the season to be jolly,

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Don we now our gay apparel,

Fa la la, la la la, la la la.

Troll the ancient Yule tide carol,

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

See the blazing Yule before us,

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Strike the harp and join the chorus.

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Follow me in merry measure,

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

While I tell of Yule tide treasure,

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes,

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Sing we joyous, all together,

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Heedless of the wind and weather,

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

 Just Sheri, decking the halls (in spite of the cold - or maybe because of it)

unemployment rates: reality check

In our short time in America I am realizing that the posted unemployment rate of under 10% seems to be an under representation of reality...or maybe it is just that those I know have drawn a bad hand? I don't think that is likely.

As a cross-section of society, representing the young and educated sector (early thirties to mid-forties) unemployment is common. More common than less than 10%.

When leaving a dinner party the other night I realized that of the five adults in the room...only one was employed. One. Now granted, Kenyon and I were two of those adults so that is an unfair statistic...but I share it to make a point. Unemployment is common. Period. That is a bit scary when we are trying to re-enter the job market after a cross-continent move.

But, it does have me thinking a bit about the unemployment rate. Is it possible it is higher than reported and that there are people like Kenyon who have now been unemployed for years, thus no longer qualifying for unemployment benefits and possibly are no longer counted in the statistic - though still very much unemployed?

What do you think? From your experience, does the unemployment rate seem to be accurate?

Just Sheri, wondering about the reliability of statistics