Christmas Eve is one of my favorite days of the year, or perhaps I should say one of my favorite evenings of the year. Daytime tends to be pretty wild, as that’s when many folks do their last-minute shopping. But once the sun goes down, the luminarias (or farolitos) come out and the world is transformed into a warm and friendly place full of goodwill toward all.1
I would love to show you an AI version of luminarias or farolitos but, much like cornucopias at Thanksgiving, Midjourney apparently has no clue what they are.2
I didn’t ask for a giant star when I made the image below — or any star at all, for that matter — but a large stylized star is what I got. One of those fortuitous AI surprises.
Several of the pictures in this post show churches, a couple of which could definitely be in New Mexico. The image below might even show a monastery or convent.
My own celebration of Christmas is completely secular. I love much of its imagery as well as the bright colors associated with it (particularly twinkling lights!). I love the way it’s traditionally a time to show appreciation for others and, at least sometimes, when we really concentrate on it, to be just a bit kinder to folks near and far.
Of course we can endeavor to show kindness to, and appreciation of, other people all year long. But Christmas seems to be an annual reminder in that regard.
The church below is one of my favorites because it seems so real. I can almost feel the snow as it falls, smell its moisture, and hear the hush that it brings.
Here’s hoping Santa brings you everything you wish for.
Whether they’re called luminarias or farolitos depends entirely upon what part of New Mexico you’re in.
Merry Christmas Lisa!