Taos Aglow 2015 by The Taos News

N O R T H E R N N E W M E X I C O H O L I D AY

TRADITIONS 2015

No Place Like Home for the Holidays obe

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You can help us by donating to the Habitat ReStore. The following items would be appreciated: Gently used appliances, Household items, Electronics, Cell Phones, Building Supplies. If you want to keep it out of the landfill, call us to see if we’ll take it! Your donations and purchases of these items help build homes.

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This ad is paid for by Chevron Questa Mine. Please join our employees who support the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Taos with contributions, in-kind donations and physical labor. 2015

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CONTENTS 4

From the Editor Snow and glow

Christmas story ‘The Presence of God’ by Kimberly Lookis

Los Pastores y Las Posadas Time-honored folk dramas

29th annual Yuletide Caroling and Tree Lighting

Taos Onstage

‘A Christmas Story’

Christmas Train Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad’s special ride

San Antonio Church Resurrection

Holiday recipes From the vault of Fayne Lutz

Holidays at Taos Pueblo The spirit of the moment

Christmas story ‘Gathering at Grandma’s’ by Emily Wilde

Alumbra de Questa A time to shine

Christmas story ‘Return of the Light’ by Iris Keltz

Tamaladas A cherished tradition

Bonfires on Bent Street ‘A very special energy’

STAFF

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Biscochitos A customary treat

Lighting Ledoux Annual gathering welcomes holiday season

Peace Chanukah Born from tragedy to spread good will

500 Wishes 6 years of putting smiles on children’s faces Community Against Violence Angel Tree 18 years of yuletide

Holiday Recipes Ponche Navideño

Taos Community Chorus ‘Mexican Baroque: Exploring Our Past’

Volunteering A helping hand, a happy heart

Torchlight Parades Night fire on the mountains

Christmas story ‘The Prescence of God’ by Kimberly Lookis

Twirl Aglow Holidays come to light

Dining Out Staying out of the kitchen over the holidays

Nutcracker Holiday Artist Market A Russian, Southwestern spirit

Calendar of holiday events

Christmas story ‘Anyone Can Be Santa Claus’ by Scott Gerdes

Taos Feeds Taos Stopping hunger pains for 30 years

Robin Martin, owner • Chris Baker, publisher • Joan Livingston, editor Chris Wood, advertising manager • Scott Gerdes, special sections editor Michelle M. Gutierrez, lead editorial designer • Karin Eberhardt, production manager Katharine Egli, photographer • Contributing writers: Andy Dennison, Teresa Dovalpage

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FROM THE EDITOR SNOW AND GLOW

I WENT TO MY FIRST CHRISTMAS EVE celebration at Taos Pueblo in 2004. The Catholicism meshed with American Indian faith-based re-enactments are a special sight to behold and instill a meaningful, lasting memory. I felt a sense of calm and belonging that I hadn’t known in a very long time. That was one of the greatest Christmas gifts I have ever received. The true ethos of the holiday season is also found in the inclusiveness, charity and morality it encourages as seen in the abundance of giving to Taos Feeds Taos (p. 37), the Community Against Violence Angel Tree Project (p. 46) and 500 Wishes (p. 40). It draws the heavy curtains away from our own reflections as we become more vested in bringing joy to others. The true holiday spirit is also wrapped around Taos with all the trimmings from the adobe-wall-lined farolitos lighting your way through the heart of Taos’ Historic District (p. 14, p. 16) to the festively adorned Christmas tree rising into the twinkling night sky on Taos Plaza (p. 18). And what is Taos if not a hot-bed for storytelling?

Some of the world’s mostloved tales center around holidays. Hispanic folk dramas, Los Pastores and Las Posadas (p. 19), tell the stories of Mary and Joseph’s trials in finding shelter, the announcement of Jesus’ birth to shepherds and their subsequent journey to Bethlehem. They are performed around the region in much the same way as generations before took to street corners to tell these same stories. And the tale of a small Northern New Mexico communities’ devotion to the reconstruction of its historic Catholic church stokes the flames of the holiday spirit in a most pure and lasting form. This time of year wouldn’t be complete without food, music, song, art and silly fun punctuated with tamales, Ralphie and his wish for a Red Rider BB gun, torchlight parades, arts and crafts markets, religious services, cookies, bonfires and Old Saint Nick. The holidays are a glorious state of mind and Taos’ many tastes, scents, scenes, sounds and family stories keep a special light flickering within you long after the holiday season comes to a close.

— Scott Gerdes, special sections editor

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ThePresence of God By Kimberly Lookis

sit watching the snow fall slightly, thinking of my most memorable Christmas Eve. I was executive director of an interfaith nonprofit in Denver. At a meeting of nonprofits, a tree was hung with names of people who had no one to give them a gift. I chose one (we’ll call her Ruby), who was at a nursing home close to downtown Denver. Her request was a Catholic Bible.

I figured I’d go before our Christmas Eve service so I could spend some time with her. I entered the aging building and the smell of months-old urine hit me immediately. I asked for Ruby and was directed to an upper secured (locked) floor. Only God knew what I was in for. About 30 residents had just finished dinner; adjacent to the common area with a small sparsely decorated artificial Christmas tree. As Ruby walked towards me I saw she carried something. As she got closer, I saw it was a doll wrapped in a towel. I wondered what happened to Ruby.

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Did she lose an infant? Did it represent her child(ren) who never visited? Only God knew. I opened her present and we tried to read together, but it was beyond her comprehension. So I asked if I could read the Christmas story to her. She nodded her head in eager agreement with a big smile on her face. It was story time! Ruby sat back cradling her doll and listened as I opened to Luke Chapter 2. “Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.” I paused to look at Ruby and saw her just waiting for more. Perhaps she’d heard this story before? Perhaps a glimmer of memory somewhere, buried with her doll. Some of the others shuffled to their usual retreat to the common area where we sat. I went on. “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to

the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.” Again I paused to look up. The remainder of the residents came in and the shuffling stopped. Any sound seemed to vanish as the story progressed. I wondered at the jumping of the synapses in their brains at the hearing of these words. I would bet all of them heard this story during their lifetimes; some hundreds of times, some just a few. They may not know their names if asked, but all had definitely heard these words in their past. “And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” As I ended the story, you could have

As I ended the story, you could have heard a pin drop. It was as though the peace, compassion and presence of God was in that room as none of us had ever experienced... heard a pin drop. It was as though the peace, compassion and presence of God was in that room as none of us had ever experienced; in a room with a mindless woman cradling an infant in a towel, who had asked for a Catholic Bible, where the giver reads a story about a baby wrapped in cloths. In a place filled with humanity that has no remembrance of anything, many with no family member visits, living in a residence that reeks of human waste. God showed me that Christmas Eve that’s where His presence is the strongest. Kim Lookis, retired, lives just north of Costilla, New Mexico.

2015

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By Scott Gerdes

RESURRECTION A community’s love for its church ON A TEMPORARY, plain wooden door at a main entrance to San Antonio del Río Church in Questa the word “welcome” is handwritten in black marker. Inside the historic sanctuary it smells of sawdust, hay and cooled earth. Scaffolding reaches to the pitched roof and new wooden slats strengthen ancient arched windows. The ceiling is lined with original dark wood planks, 23 vigas, 44 corbels and two double corbels. New adobe bricks have been painstakingly placed with modern electrical wiring seamlessly weaving around them. New plumbing and heating is being installed. San Antonio del Río is coming back to life. This Catholic church has served as a place of worship and as a beacon of community spirit for many generations. Years of legal scuffles followed after the archdiocese in Santa Fe suggested tearing the church down after the east wall collapsed in the fall of 2008. The symbol of faith needed help and the parishioners answered the call. Malaquias Rael heard its cries. “It wasn’t its time,” said Rael, a construction volunteer and descendant of some of the church’s original builders. “This place wasn’t done yet. It’s the oldest building in town. It is the true heart of the community.” 8

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‘PEOPLE COME FROM ALL OVER, THEY FIND THE JOY OF BEING HERE.’ — MARK SIDERIS While working in the rafters, Rael spotted the name of one of his grandfather’s relatives beautifully scribed on a viga. Soon, workers were finding other names and initials of the laborers who covered the original latías and mud roof from August to September 1899. “For the last four years, Questeños have been rebuilding the temporarily deconsecrated structure brick by adobe brick,” said Village of Questa tourism director Alberta Bouyer. “The project has offered a much-needed opportunity for residents to work together for a worthy cause during what became a tense time of economic crisis in this small village. Our church was built in the mid-1800s by the first families of what was then the village of San Antonio del Rio Colorado. Undaunted, today’s descendants of those original builders are hard at work restoring our traditional adobe church to its former glory.” Once the restorers

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got into the crumbling structure and took a hard look at its state, it was apparent that more than one wall needed fixing. The church was built before electricity, plumbing and heating were options. A foundation was never laid because that’s not how structures were built back then. Fortunately, the original fixtures inside the church were not damaged and the beautiful Stations of the Cross were all spared. “Volunteers have gone to the forest and felled trees, milling new timbers for the structure in the exact same way that our families did generations ago, Abeyta said. “The new stained glass will be made here by local craftspeople.” Volunteers from Questa, Taos County and even from Colorado descend on the church every week. Many of the

volunteer laborers — or “workaholics” as Rael and foreman Mark Sideris call them — are retired. Some 20-50 ready, willing and able hands come to the church during any given week. Saturdays see the most volunteers. As of late October, volunteer hours reached 30,000. “People come from all over,” Sideris beamed. “They find the joy of being here.” No contractors have a role in the reconstruction. Sideris and friends like it that way. “That’s the neatest part — not hiring a contractor,” Rael stated. “It takes a little longer (with volunteers only), but the work is much more meaningful.” “This is a major undertaking,” said Sideris. “It needed repairs other than the walls. We thought we might as well tackle

other issues. These aren’t Band-Aid fixes.” The restoration really kicked in during the summer of 2012. Sideris and others hoped to have the job done by this Christmas. He’s confident visitors will be “fairly comfortable in here” by then, but it won’t be completed. St. Anthony’s Feast Day on June 13 is the new target date. “We’ll be done before then, but it gives us time to tie things up. It’s also a perfect time to rededicate it (to the New Mexico Archdiocese),” Sideris said. Although the restoration won’t quite be finished

in December, the town is tying it in with an opportunity for Alumbra de Questa Christmas Market visitors to “follow a farolito walk over and get a sneak peek of the progress,” said Bouyer, on Dec. 18-19 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both days. Guests, however, are welcome into the church whenever workers are onsite. If the volunteers’ experiences are any indication — and they probably are — market attendees who visit the church will be overwhelmed with a sense of history, awe and richness of the season.

Katharine Egli

Clockwise from top: Eugene Garcia, left, and Jimmy Salazar apply a scratch layer of stucco to San Antonio del Río Church Oct. 24; Gilbert Garcia operates a tractor during a construction day; Marcos Rael adjusts pieces of glass that form a dove in a new piece for the renovated San Antonio del Río Church in Questa last May.

GIFTS OF STYLE, WARMTH, AND ADVENTURE

Holiday Recipes

or chop finely by hand. Add butter, rest of salt, bourbon or brandy and nutmeg. Whirl again in blender or mix very thoroughly by hand. Mixture will be quite thin. Add toasted almonds and pour mixture into serving container. Cover with plastic and chill until firm (a minimum of four hours or overnight). Garnish with thin strips of green onion and carrot rounds to make a flower. EGGNOG PIE This recipe is much requested. It’s perfect for this time of year to serve as a dessert for visitors, or to serve instead of the more traditional pies at Christmas dinner. Eggnog is widely available in the dairy case of the supermarket, as is the chocolate crumb crust. Use either light or dark rum or even rum flavoring for that special festive touch to this delicious pie. 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin 3 cups dairy eggnog,

divided 1/3 cup rum or rum flavoring to taste 1 cup heavy cream, whipped, divided Purchased, prepared chocolate crumb crust, 9-inch Orange slices for garnish In a medium saucepan sprinkle gelatin over 1 cup eggnog and let stand for one minute. Stir over low heat until gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add rum and the remaining 2 cups of eggnog. Chill, stirring occasionally until the mixture mounds slightly when dropped from a spoon. Set aside 1/3 cup whipped cream for garnish. Fold remaining whipped cream into gelatin mixture until well blended. Turn into chocolate crumb crust. Garnish with extra whipping cream and orange sections. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 10 servings.

103 A BENT ST. (NEAR TAOS INN) • 575-751-9100

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y K AT H A R I N E E G L I , T H E TA O S N E W S

The late Fayne Lutz was a longtime food columnist for The Taos News. Here are holiday recipes for Holiday Pâté and Eggnog Pie from the archives. HOLIDAY PÂTÉ Merry Christmas to all those interested in cooking and eating. This special recipe is a gift for all of you. There is still time to make this delicious and traditional appetizer for Christmas or you can save it for New Year’s eating. Pâté is a French word and is pronounced as you would say it in Spanish. 1 pound chicken livers 1cupwater 1 cup thinly sliced onion 1 clove garlic 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided Dash ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon thyme, crumbled 1 bay leaf 1 cup butter or margarine, softened and cut in chunks 2 tablespoons bourbon or brandy 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted in 250-degree oven until brown Green onion tops, for decoration Thin slices of carrot for decoration Rinse chicken livers, drain, and remove any membranes with a sharp knife. Add water, onion, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, thyme and bay leaf. Bring slowly to a boil. Cover and simmer five to eight minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered for another five minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove chicken livers and onion slices to a blender. Cool slightly. Blend for one minute in blender,

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ALUMBRA DE QUESTA A time to shine IT ALL STARTED with Nancy Levy, a new resident of the Questa area. She arrived enamored with the Christkindlmarkts of Germany, and soon became impressed by the number of talented craftspeople she was meeting in her new hometown. Her enthusiasm to put the two together was very welcomed news in the midst of ongoing economic challenges in this northern Taos County village.

‘THIS IS AN AREA WITH A RICH HISTORY AND STRONGLY FELT CULTURE...’ —ALBERTA BOUYER

The Alumbra de Questa Christmas Market will come to life over Winter Solstice weekend, Dec. 18-19. The market will be open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. both days. In the European tradition, the crafts and traditional treats will be available into the evening; that’s when the magic will happen with 10

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thousands of fairy lights and hundreds of farolitos marking this special winter in northern Taos County. When initially proposed, Questa Village staff felt that perhaps the vision of glüwein and bratwurst might’ve muddied the waters a bit given recent work to define Questa in the public’s imagination. “A coherent definition of Questa is easy to make,”

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says Alberta Bouyer, Questa’s tourism director. “This is an area with a rich history and strongly felt culture, a new wave of arts that are building on centuries of skilled crafts, and all of this closely tied to our surrounding mountains and wildlife.” Enter Gayle Martinez, the co-pastor at Questa’s Living Word Ministries, and former executive director with Taos County Chamber of Commerce. A marketing expert in her own right, she has a great appreciation for the artistic skills of community members, and a devotion to be a positive presence in the Questa community. “Questa is a special place filled with talent and steeped in some wonderful

holiday traditions. I saw Nancy’s outdoor market concept as the perfect opportunity to showcase Northern New Mexico traditions, crafts and businesses,” Martinez says. By the time the initial planning talks had finished; the glüwein had turned into chile-spiced hot chocolate, the bratwurst into tamales, and the lebküchen into bizcochitos. Along with traditional crafts, modern works of art by northern county residents will be for sale. The Questa Village Council gave their blessing to this new plan last spring. The Questa Economic Development Fund Board soon promised to back the efforts, and lent their Visitor Center property as

a central outdoor venue. This location has the added advantage of being a short walk to the San Antonio del Río church. The longanticipated completion of restoration work won’t be completed by Christmas, but visitors are welcome to see the progress. “We will throw open the doors to welcome all who walk over to view this amazing accomplishment,” says restoration foreman, Mark Sideris. Community members plan to pitch in to create the farolitos that will mark the route.

The outdoor Alumbra de Questa Christmas Market will be the focal point of a planned villagewide decorating contest, along with special holiday storytelling sessions at the Questa Public Library, holiday art shows and a tree lighting. A Posada re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging will be carried out again this year in Questa at various locations during the nine evenings preceding Christmas Eve. Guests at the Christmas Market will be able to witness La Posada on Dec. 18.

Katharine Egli

Farolitos will light the way from the Alumbra de Questa holiday market to San Antonio del Río Church over Winter Solstice weekend.

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A Light-Filled Holiday Event! Christmas Craft Market Downtown Questa December 18-19th Friday and Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

Come enjoy lunch and an afternoon of unique shopping, or, arrive for two magical evenings of a thousand lights and hundreds of farolitos, plus warming, traditional treats, music, and more. Friday evening brings an illuminated walk to view the restoration of San Antonio church beginning at 5:30 PM; meet the volunteers, glimpse the history, witness La Posada, join the parishioners for Mass and reception.

angels…anklets…belts…beads…backpacks… bracelets…baby booties…bibs…banana fiber… barettes…brass rings…bobbleheads…books… candles…coffee mugs…copper wall art…clay angels…coasters…coin purses…caps…cell phonecases…chili peppers…cuffs…chokers… cosmetic bags…crocheted bags…decorative banners…dolls…decorative glass…dish holders… earrings…fabric…eyeglass cases…flutes…funky pins…finger puppets…friendship bracelets… gourds…garland…glass hearts…greeting cards…hats…headbands…hair scrunchies… headbands…hearts…hand drums…ikibanas… jewelry…kisii stone…keyrings…katarinas… kittens…lip balm…milagros…magnets…mug mats…nativities…necklaces…ocarinas… ornaments…office plaques…purses…pottery… pillows…peace bags…puzzles…pot holders… pencil holders…paper mache bowls…placemats… quilted coasters…rings…rebozos…recycled bags… recycled paper products…sentiment stones…scarves…sari silk bags… sheep…sarongs…socks…soapstone…scarf pins…stars…soup bowls… shirts…tagua nut…tablerunners…tin art…tie dye bags…telephone wire rings…Ugandan paper beads…visors…vases…velvet bags…whistles… woven baskets…worry dolls…wallets…windchimes…x-mas decorations… yard art…Zapotec coasters

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Event series includes Breakfasts with Santa, storytelling, and craft workshops. For a complete calendar of events; Questa-NM.com/Alumbra, or call 575/586-0694.

a wonder-filled season and joyous New Year! Holiday hours: 11 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Saturday 101 Des Georges Lane, near Taos Plaza, 575-770-9040 on the web at www.wildlandance.net See you soon!

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Return of the light By Iris Keltz

moved to Taos in the late ‘60s not knowing a soul, but my welcome was resounding. Whether living on a commune, renting a house with friends, single or in love, the winter holidays were a time to converge, party and indulge ourselves in every way imaginable. Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, meant the days were becoming longer, the light was returning.

Growing up in New York, I had an intellectual knowledge of the seasons, but living at New Buffalo commune in Arroyo Hondo, I got to observe the annual north-south journey of the sun along the rim of the West Mesa. This knowledge firmly planted me

Some years the communards gathered in the courtyard, built a fire, played music, danced, hooted and hollered and fell in love with each other and with our lives in Northern New Mexico. onto this harsh rocky land, dotted with sage, cedar and piñon. Stargazers among us were keenly aware of celestial happenings but the solstice was familiar even to the novice. Some years the communards gathered in the courtyard, built a fire, played music, danced, hooted and hollered and fell

in love with each other and with our lives in Northern New Mexico. On those frosty nights, stars glittered across the sky like a million diamonds. For me, the singular event that triggered the onset of the winter holidays was Christmas Eve at Taos Pueblo. I especially remember the year of a great blizzard. The church bells started ringing as smoke curled above the giant bonfires. Earsplitting guns shots announced the processional leading the Madonna who was protected by a billowing canopy. Snow swirls mixed with sparks from flames spiraling heavenward on heavy gusts. From earthy browns the ground turned to sparkling white. I felt as if I was at the

center of the universe. Everyone I needed to be with was within walking distance. A serenity descended on the crowd as we warmed hands and toes and hugged friends –– new and old. It was a community celebration where people were not separated by religion. Coming from a Jewish background, it was a welcomed relief. When the bonfires died, I drove to my nearby adobe where I welcomed friends with roast turkey, posole, callabacitas and potato latkes. We were all one tribe. As the years pass, I grow ever more grateful for this tradition. Iris Keltz is a retired teacher and a writer who divides her time between Taos and Albuquerque.

Happy Holidays Lighting of the Tree December 5, 5-7pm

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LIGHTS, LEDOUX, ACTION!

Annual gathering welcomes holiday season IT’S ALL ABOUT A LOVE FOR A GOOD PARTY.

... A CHARMING, UNPRETENTIOUS, CHASTE AND WARMING CALL FOR HOLIDAY REVELRY.

The highly attended, anticipated and most beloved annual stroll down the hidden, narrow, crooked street that cuts through Taos’ oldest art district signals the beginning of Taos’ holiday season.

celebration. It is in many ways a holiday reunion for the entire community.

It is the annual Lighting of Ledoux, which is a charming, unpretentious, chaste and warming call for holiday revelry. The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, 5-7 p.m.

Carolers and bagpipers have also been known to appear, spreading the joy into song.

As the name implies, hundreds of farolitos (paper bags weighted by sand and containing a single lit votive candle) line the adobe walls, curbs and walkways down Taos’ oldest thoroughfare, located just steps due west from Taos Plaza. The glow and enchanted sparkling effect of the farolitos set up by the local Boy Scout troop, and luminarias (small piñon bonfires) bring Taoseños out into the chilly night to walk, talk and drink warm beverages — and to even break out into spontaneous

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The holiday spirit begins to show itself in the afternoon when farolitos begin to pop up in front of the museums, galleries and boutiques lining Ledoux Street. Around that time, the street is closed to vehicles, only open to pedestrians. By 5 p.m., the farolitos are lit. Then, just as the sun is setting and the temperature drops, luminarias start to flicker and crackle. Let Lighting Ledoux begin. A joyous parade commences at Taos Plaza as a fire truck leads Father Winter along Ledoux Street to the Harwood Museum

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of Art. In the museum’s Arthur Bell Auditorium, children get to tell Father Winter their holiday wishes and leave with a gift. And the Ledoux Street hosts open their doors for warmth, refreshments and

a range of special activities. Because of its popularity, events at the Harwood this year will be split into inside and outside areas. Lighting Ledoux highlights for 2015 at the Harwood include Agnes Chavez and

her teen-run lab’s projected presentation called “Projecting Particles.” There

will also be art activities for children, music and a lighting vigil. Katharine Egli

Anne-Sophie Lenior hangs out around Taos Plaza in a costume designed by Tatyana DePavloff after a ReNeux Fashion Show during the annual Lighting Leduox in 2014.

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By Scott Gerdes

BONFIRES ON BENT STREET

‘A very special energy’

THE CALMING GLOW of farolitos lighting the way around Taos’ Historic District during the holiday season are complimented by the crackling warmth of numerous bonfires peppered throughout Bent Street and the John Dunn Shops, as the walk through a winter wonderland continues. The 27th Bonfires on Bent Street will be held Saturday, Dec. 12, from 4-7 p.m. This annual event is always held close to the Winter Solstice (Dec. 22) — the shortest day and longest night of the year. Many cultures have long held a recognition of rebirth around this “midwinter” time involving holiday festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations. “The Winter Solstice is the beginning of the light returning inside ourselves and in nature,” said John

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‘THE WINTER SOLSTICE IS THE BEGINNING OF THE LIGHT RETURNING INSIDE OURSELVES AND IN NATURE...’ — POLLY RAY. Dunn Shops owner and event organizer Polly Ray. “It’s a renewal symbolized by the farolitos and fires.” In that spirit, the 40 shops of Bent Street and John Dunn will keep the pathways snug with bonfires, free food and beverages. Caroling groups including Billy Archuleta and the Our Lady of Guadalupe Choir and the Taos Community Chorus are set to fill the air with song. “Unexpected carolers” are also welcome,

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Raye said. The Azteca Dancers, fire dancers and other entertainers will also be on hand. Melding with the smell of burning piñon will be posole, tamales, chile, desserts, chips and salsa, hot cider and hot chocolate offered at no charge. All the shops will have food and drinks inside, from fancy hors d’oeuvres to marshmallows for roasting. And while this event helps jump-start the gift-giving season in Taos — because a vibrant economy is important — Bonfires on Bent Street, however, isn’t just about the almighty dollar. “Dunn has always

been a gathering place,” Raye explained with an infectious enthusiasm in her cadence. “It’s special in Taos at Christmas. [Bonfires on Bent Street] brings people out of their houses and outsiders to town. It has a traditional regional look — doesn’t look like Chicago.”

special energy,” Raye added. “It started as a thanks to customers and it still is. But this is not to see how many dollars shops can make; it’s about a sense of community and bringing people together. And for centuries it is tradition to have a day of thanksgiving for harvest.”

Initially, the event sprang up as a thanks to John Dunn Shops customers. Later, the Bent Street shops joined the party. Now Raye gets phone calls from people asking for the date of the event to plan a trip around it. She said attendance has increased every year.

And when you have a feast, people tend to linger.

“I think it has a very

“It’s all about people hanging around and

visiting,” Raye expressed. But the day isn’t just about the humans. From noon to 4 p.m. people can bring their pets down for the annual Santa Paws to get a picture with St. Nick. The popular event benefits Stray Hearts Animal Shelter and Four Corners Animal League. Dogs available for adoption will also be on hand and would love to go for a walk in this winter wonderland.

Katharine Egli

Clockwise from top: Flames provide warmth and ambiance at the Bonfires on Bent Street celebration; People bring their pets to the annual Santa Paws for a picture with Santa to benefit Stray Hearts Animal Shelter and Four Corners Animal League. Caroling fills the air during Bonfires on Bent Street.

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By Scott Gerdes

LOS PASTORES Y LAS POSADAS Time-honored folk dramas MONTHS BEFORE CHRISTMAS season was even a twinkle in childrens’ eyes instruments were being tuned, costumes assembled and lines rehearsed as local performers prepared for the 35th annual staging of Los Pastores — the ancient Hispanic folk drama. The Cordova family (Arsenio, his wife Kathy and their daughter Tessa) has been instrumental in keeping the play vibrant in Taos for all these years with their company, Sangre de Cristo Liturgies, based in El Prado. This admission-free musical or “shepherds play,” as Arsenio Cordova calls it, will be presented Saturday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Taos; Dec. 28, 7 p.m. at Sangre de Cristo Parish in San Luis, Colorado; San Juan Parish, Ohkay Owinge, with a date and time to be announced; and an anticipated two to three more performances

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‘... SO THAT PEOPLE WOULD UNDERSTAND GOOD WILL ALWAYS WIN OVER EVIL ...’ — ARSENIO CORDOVA.

to be added. Check upcoming issues of Tempo for additional dates. Sangre de Cristo Liturgies is just one of two groups (the other based in Belen) left in the state that continue to present the play. This morality story of poetic lines is intertwined with abundant music performed all in Spanish, actually 16th-century Spanish with pantomime so that everybody can understand the story’s core message, which is evil cannot conquer good.

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“The play was presented in early times so that people would understand good will always win over evil,” Cordova explained. “This is illustrated by the fight between Michael the Archangel who defeated Lucifer and then people go on to worship the Christ child (Santo Niño).” This traditional play depicts the shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem to honor the Santo Niño, but are interrupted by a persistent, wicked Lucifer. “Lucifer is probably one

of the most important roles in there because he tries to distract shepherds from finding baby Jesus,” Cordova said. “The most theological lines are from Lucifer.” Los Pastores is considered to be one of the most musical of all the morality plays from the 16th century. Some of the songs are very old, but there are also several pieces that Cordova composed for the play including lullabies sung by Mary and Joseph to baby Jesus.

Though Cordova has kept true to the Los Pastores script, he has also made a few additions and changes over the years. It’s a mixture of the most common versions of the play throughout its history, he said, but he tries to modernize it with references to local issues such as gambling, for example. Years ago, he also added specific dialogue to his long-standing script because it just made sense. Mary and Joseph don’t say

a word in many ancient versions, but Cordova decided they should be vocal. “If someone crashes your stable, you should say something,” he said with a laugh. The play, Cordova said, probably originated in Spain brought by missionaries to Mexico. Cordova believes that around 1531 was most likely the first staging of it in Mexico. He has researched the many variations of

this play from Spain to Mexico, even traveling to Spain to look at some of the earliest scripts. “All of them are very similar,” he shared. “However, the names might change from region to region.” What else doesn’t seem to vary much in regard to Los Pastores is its popularity and the generations of families that want to play a part in it. “We’ve had 500 actors involved in it over the years,” Cordova said with

pride. “Some have played the baby Jesus who now take other roles as adults. We cast 25-30 people every year.” Sometimes Cordova gets “walk-in actors” and he never turns anyone away The stage can always take one more shepherd. LAS POSADAS Another popular community tradition is Las Posadas, meaning the “inns” or the “shelters.” It is a religious celebration and re-enactment of Joseph and Mary’s journey

to Bethlehem and their search for lodging as the impending birth of Christ nears. It is performed for nine consecutive nights (Dec. 15-24) before Christmas.

Mary and Joseph are accompanied by people carrying candles, who sing traditional Spanish verses as they walk from house to house asking for posada, or a place to stay.

The participants are divided into two groups, those looking for shelter with Mary and Joseph (los posadistas) and the innkeepers, or posaderos, who turn them away until the last night, when they are finally welcomed, and offered hot chocolate and biscochitos.

This beautiful, moving pageant open to public spectating typically commences at dusk each night and follows a planned route — just look for small, flickering flames and flashlight beams, and listen for the music. Larry Torres, a UNM-Taos professor,

distinguished scholar and ordained deacon, has been leading Las Posadas at the Holy Trinity Parish in Arroyo Seco for more than 30 years. He also wrote “Las Posadas, a Hispanic Christmas Tradition,” about the origins and meaning of the play.

The book is available at Amazon.com. Las Posadas are held in different churches and parishes as well as private houses. To participate in one, call your local parish or ask around your neighborhood, or check Tempo.

Tina Larkin

Clockwise from top: Participating parishioners sing the Adentro song from inside a home in Ranchos de Taos on the fourth night in a nine-day celebration of Las Posadas; A renactment for Las Posadas; A scene from Los Pastores.

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Katharine Egli

Yuletide Caroling and Tree Lighting on Taos Plaza will take place on Friday, (Dec. 4), 4-6 p.m..

LET THE HOLIDAY SEASON BEGIN

29th annual Yuletide Caroling and Tree Lighting

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2015

THE 2015 TAOS HOLIDAY SEASON officially kicks off with the annual lighting of the town Christmas tree during the 29th annual Yuletide Caroling and Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec.4, from 4-6 p.m. at the Historic Taos Plaza. Join Mayor Dan Barrone and your neighbors for festive musical entertainment

SANTA WILL BE HANDING OUT 300 CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS STUFFED WITH TREATS. and more with details to be announced on the taosgov.com website.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus, however, have confirmed their sleigh ride to Taos after which Santa will be handing out 300 Christmas stockings stuffed with treats. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be surprised if the Grinch is a sleigh stowaway. To keep warm and full, there will be complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

Bonfires and farolitos will add to the warmth and holiday spirit. Many businesses on Taos Plaza will be open late for the event and vehicles will not be allowed in the Plaza during festivities. Special parking arrangements will be provided for people requiring ADA access to the event. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Staff report

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Happy Holidays from the Taos Chamber Music Group! Winter Concert Series at the Harwood Museum of Art December 12 & 13 - A Spanish Holiday January 16 & 17 - Play It Forward March 19 & 20 - Into the Light All concerts begin at 5 p.m. and often sell out! Dinner discount available with ticket at Doc Martin’s, Lambert’s, Martyrs and the Gorge Bar & Grill restaurants. Tickets and more info. at

taoschambermusicgroup.org. 2015

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HOLIDAYS AT TAOS PUEBLO The spirit of the moment THE HOLIDAY SEASON is one of the most memorable and inspirational times to experience the rich culture and atmosphere that is this ancient, sacred land of Taos Pueblo — the true caretaker and spiritual center of Taos Valley. On Christmas Eve, the Procession of the Virgin Mary occurs in dramatic and glorious fashion. At around sunset after Mass at San Geronimo, towering luminarias of piñon pitch wood are set ablaze signaling the start of the Procession of the Virgin. Amid the billowing smoke, crackling logs and cold winter wind a group of Pueblo men carrying hunting rifles, which are fired into the air every few seconds in announcement of the birth of Christ, part the crowd to allow passage for the procession. Following them is a statue of the Virgin Mary hoisted high upon a dais, and accompanying the procession are Pueblo drummers, dancers, and female singers — singing in English and Tiwa — who are often then joined by visitors as Mary is returned to the church.

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...TOWERING LUMINARIAS OF PIÑON PITCH WOOD ARE SET ABLAZE SIGNALING THE START OF THE PROCESSION OF THE VIRGIN... On Christmas Day, visitors can return for either the Deer or Matachines Dance, which dance is presented is announced just prior to the actual celebration. Los Matachines stems from cross-cultural references among American Indian and Hispanic heritage in New Mexico. It is one of the very few dances shared by both Hispanic and Native peoples. According to most historians, the name comes from the Arabic Moorish culture, which had much influence on Spanish traditions, and it means “masked dancer” or

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“masked person.” The dance-drama features the innocent girl Malinche, dancers festooned with multi-colored ribbons and fringe around their faces and hands, tall headdresses and held within the right hand is a three-pronged wand called a palma. It represents the Trinitarian belief that God is one and three at the same time. Also, abuelos (ancient ogres) play the role of dance monitors and take on the traits of trickster figures, they also tease the sacrificial bull during the weaving dance. In Taos, the dancers wind and unwind along sashes fastened to the top of a maypole-like post. When this dancedrama was introduced to Indigenous people of the Southweast it served as a kind of fertility rite. “The bull is referred to el Toro when he is dancing and el Capeo whenever he is ritually castrated. He must bow low before

the chief dancer called ‘Monanca’ among the Tiwa Natives,” according to Larry Torres on nmarts. com. “Monanca is easily recognized as he is the only dancer who wears solid white. It is only after the bull is felled that the ogress Perejundia will fall on the floor at his side and give birth to a newborn abuelito who will then become the spirit of the dance the following year.” During the Deer Dance, the dancers file into line, richly draped in deerskin, wearing antler headresses and carrying a stick in each hand representative of a deer’s front legs. Whether this dance is invoking the deer spirit or celebrating the season is unknown, as this dance is for the people and not for holiday entertainment per se. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful and moving event. Then, for more celebration, the Turtle Dance is held on Jan.

1, (tentatively at dawn) marking the beginning of a new year. Soon after, on Jan. 6, the Buffalo or Deer Dance will be held in honor of new Tribal officers at Taos and Picuris Pueblo and is also a celebration of Los Reyes Magos, the lithurgical calendar’s story of the three wise men who follow the star shinning over the Bethlehem stable to bring gifts to the newborn Christ proclaiming him as the king heralded by prophesy. As the date approaches, call Taos Pueblo at (575) 758-1028 for times. All these events have free admission, but the Pueblo asks that there be no cameras, cell phones, or any recording device at Christmas Eve or any other religious ceremony. It is a priviledge to witness these celebrations. During the winter season,

make sure to stop by the shops at Taos Pueblo. They offer some unique gifts, and the Pueblo takes care to make sure all are Native-made. Every cent of profit goes directly to the shopkeeper or artist. The holiday season makes for a great time to discover the history, culture and art of Taos Pueblo that make it a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winter hours are generally around 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday through Saturday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. All purchases made at the Pueblo are tax-free, and most shops accept credit cards. For more information, visit taospueblo.com, or call the Taos Pueblo Tourism Office at (575) 758-1028. — Staff report

Christmas Eve at Taos Pueblo, 2011.

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Gathering at Grandma’s By Emily Wilde

The Christmas tree in the other room quietly called, but only the children seemed to be able to hear.

t’s Christmas Eve. My mom, dad and me are in the car loaded up with food, gifts and emergency supplies (just in case). We turn out of the driveway and start singing the official Christmas road song. “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go .... “.

all had a job to do in order for this to come to fruition. Breads and sauces needed to be made as the turkey cooked. Everything was made from scratch. The table also had to be set to perfection.

This was the official start to my Christmas. After an hour or so later of driving along narrow, tree-lined roads we arrive. My grandma and grandpa had this great little house, with just enough space; not too big, not too small. This house contained the most beautiful antique furniture. My favorite was the antique, carved lion-footed mahogany round dining table, which expanded to accommodate the family who all, of coarse, gathered at Grandma’s for the holidays. Upon entering with calls of “We are here!” we are warmly greeted, then put straight to work. Christmas Eve was filled with activity. My Grandma was a master of delegation and timing. She efortlessly had us all doing what needed to be done to make the next day perfect. And her famous recipe box stuffed with handwritten index cards was kept within arm’s reach at all times as the kitchen became the center of our universe. By now my cousins had been tasked with pulling out the specifically planned serving platters. They were preselected for the size, shape and color for the food that will be placed on them, as well as the overall effect of the table setting itself. You could usually find me polishing the special silverware that had been brought out in a velvet-lined wooden box. My dad and uncle were given the mission of

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2015

finding the perfect pine to cut down on the property that would have the honor of being our Christmas tree. We all decorated the tree together while my dad played Christmas songs on the piano, from which random singing would ensue. We made the popcorn and cranberry garland, placed the lights and reminisced over the family-made ornaments. Once the last ornament was placed and the tree was sufficiently dripping with festiveness, we quieted down for the night. Cots were set up for the kids to sleep in the sunroom. Yes, with the tree! We pretended to sleep while our parents, one by one, tried to quietly sneak in all the gifts. Then, once they had fallen asleep (signified by the telltale snoring of one or more of the adults scattered throughout the small house), we would dutifully and excitedly get up to assess the packages. Once sufficiently satisfied of which box belonged to whom, we fell asleep in anticipation of the morning’s events. Christmas morning was announced by my grandpa, who ground fresh coffee in a big, metal hand grinder mounted to a kitchen wall. The smell of brewing coffee was all that was

needed to rouse everyone out of bed. Parents came out of every corner of the house and we awoke with such excitement we were practically vibrating! Gifts would have to wait though. The house — having only one bathroom — painfully slowed down the morning riggers. Then breakfast. Again, not a fast to-do here. Eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, coffee ... the works. Us kids didn’t even chew our food, but it made no difference. The parents aggravatingly ate as if this day was no different than any other. Once they finally finished we had to do all the dishes after which we were finally allowed to open stockings. They had been magically filled over night. The knitted stockings were overflowing at their tops and bursting at the seams. Weighted at the bottom was the telltale shape of a ripe orange yearning to be freed of its very snug predicament. They were filled with wonderful little personal treasures like chocolates, a book maybe and usually a set of socks or something practical like that. The end of the stocking opening ceremony was brought to a close with the freeing of the orange. Now things kicked into high gear. Dinner was to be ready by 2 p.m., and we

Gathering around that big, round mahogany table we sat, gave thanks and partook in the bounty — turkey, cranberry sauce, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, breads and buns. Then the dessert! Cookies, fruitcake, rhubarb pie with the famous flaky crust that just melted in your mouth, and all with freshly made whipped cream! The Christmas tree in the other room quietly called, but only the children seemed to be able to hear. We quietly fidgeted, sighed and moaned trying to convey the calling of the tree, but the parents seemed to not hear it or take any notice of us either. They talked about sports, weather and politics all the while acting, again, as if today was like any other. Finally, they make a move to start cleaning up. Oh Oh Oh! The “all clear” is sounded! We are finally gathered around the tree! The presents to be presented — each handed out and opened one at a time. And each containing at least one item that was handmade with much thought and care. Such a production. Such a great finish. All is now well in the world. Emily Wilde is a graphic designer and Taos resident for 6 years and counting.

Make 500 C hristmas Wishes Come True! Join us for our 6th Annual Toy Drive This year we are proud to partner with Walmart and New Mexico CYFD. Please help us make 500 more wishes come true for local children this Christmas.

Bring $5 or more to Friday Motors between now and

Dec. 18 and enter to win one of these great prizes in the daily drawings: • $250 gift certificate from Friday Motors • $200 Kit Carson Electric gift certificate • $200 Kit Carson Propane gift certificate

• $100 pre-paid utility of your choice from Century 21 Success • $100 pre-paid gas card from Joella Montoya’s Farmers’ Insurance • $100 pre-paid card of your choice from the Double D Ranch • $100 gift certificate to High Altitude Athletics • $100 gift certificate to Cid’s Food Market

• Taos Twist’s six 5-piece place settings ($324 value) • Gift certificate from Dr. Kellie Harris • Pre-paid debit card from Peoples Bank • $50 Gift Certificate from George’s Wood Works • $100 Gift Card from General Rental • Gift basket of hair products from Unique Styles

Bid on our silent auction

items to raise money for our local youth sports scholarships! • Advertising package from the Taos News • Advertising package from KNCE • Advertising package from KKIT/KKTC/KVOT/KXMT • And many more as well as opportunities to win BONUS GIVEAWAYS!

Bring in $5 and get one ticket toward the drawings. Donate $20, which will sponsor a whole box for a child, and get 5 tickets!

Over 5000 gifts delivered to children so far, and $10,000 in sports scholarships since 2010!

Listen to KKIT - the Mountain, weekdays starting December 3rd at 9:30AM to see if you won!

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2015

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By Scott Gerdes

PEACE CHANUKAH Born from tragedy to spread good will “PEACE ON EARTH” ISN’T JUST A STRING OF WORDS. For people who have attended past Peace Chanukah celebrations in Taos, they know what the galvanizing power of hoping and praying for peace in an all-inclusive atmosphere really feels like. In it’s 14th year, the Taos Jewish Center will host the Peace Chanukah on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 5:30-7 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church. The event is “not just a Jewish thing,” says event organizer Bette Meyerson. Everyone and anyone from the community is invited and encouraged to bring menorahs (candles will be provided), which will be lit during the ceremony. There is no charge for admittance, but those who can are asked to bring nonperishable food items to put toward a collection for the Shared Table, the St. James Food Pantry and the Taos Coalition to End Homelessness. The event is

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THIS HOLIDAY RICH IN CULTURE IS ALSO KNOWN AS THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS...

Heyam Khweis (Muslim); Chuck Doughty (Unitarian Congregation of Taos); Nyna Matysiak, owner of Optimysm (Wicca); and Punya Upadhyaya, from the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram. Led by Taos performers, participants will sing and recite prayers. Song sheets will be provided.

Sponsored by B’nai Shalom Havurah, the Taos Jewish Center and St. James Episcopal Church.

The celebration of Chanukah commemorates a miracle that Jews believe occurred in the Holy Temple: Upon their return to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after defeating Hellenist Syrians — who made it illegal for Jews to worship — the Jews found only enough oil to light the temple’s menorah for one day. Inexplicably, the menorah stayed aflame for eight days and nights, giving them enough time to find more oil to keep the fire lit.

This inspirational Peace Chanukah (the “c” is silent) features eight musicians who will lead the group in signing songs about peace and representatives of various religions will speak on the subject of harmony. This year’s event will include moving words from confirmed speakers are Martinez Hewlett, Catholic; Pastor Steve Wiard from El Pueblito United Methodist Church; Dottie Butler from the Clearlight Worship Group (Quakers); Rev. Susan Varon from Unity; Father Mike Olsen from St James;

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Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in the second century B.C. The word itself means “dedication” in Hebrew, and traditionally Chanukah begins on the

25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, which is normally in November or December. This holiday rich in culture is also known as the Festival of Lights, hence the importance and symbolism of the menorahs and candles. Taos’ special celebration of Chanukah was born from the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks. The first Peace Chanukah was held on the East Coast in 2001, Meyerson said. It brought people from all religions together to celebrate peace and the lights of the season in wake of the attacks.

In attendance was a Taos Jewish community member who brought the idea back to Taos. With a world that seems to become more violent and more at odds every day, the event has continued in Taos every year since.

grown every year, three years ago it was moved to St. James Church. Last year was standing-room only.

“The world is getting worse, it seems to me,” Meyerson added. “As far as I know, we’re the only ones still holding this event.”

For more information, contact the Taos Jewish Center at (575) 7588615, Bette Myerson at (575) 758-3376, or visit taosjewishcenter.org

Because attendance has

Peace Chanukah will be celebrated on Dec. 9, 5:30-7 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 208 Camino de Santiago, Taos.

Greg Kreller/File photo

Jennifer Ammann helps her son, Eli Collignon, light the candles of the menorah for the seventh night of Chanukah during a past Peace Chanukah celebration at the Taos Jewish Center.

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de Mayo.

By Teresa Dovalpage

BISCOCHITOS A customary treat THE NAME COMES FROM THE SPANISH WORD bizcocho used in its diminutive form, biscochito. But there is nothing “diminutive” about these spicy, aniseflavored cookies. They are utterly satisfying, and, like so many delicious treats, loaded with carbs. Their main ingredients are flour, sugar, baking powder and lard. The history of biscochitos stretches back to Spain, where they are called mantecados, which makes sense, as manteca means lard. They arrived with 28

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the conquistadores during the 16th century and were quickly adopted in America under different names, depending on the region. In Cuba, a similar kind of cookie is known as tortica de Moron. THE FRENCH CONNECTION Another story about the biscochitos’ origin places it in Mexico. Biscochitos are said to have been baked for the first time after the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when the Mexicans overthrew Emperor Maximilian — their victory is celebrated today as Cinco 2015

The biscochito, then, became a “commemorative cookie” for the Mexican troops. SHAPES AND COLORS Traditionally, biscochitos are shaped like a fleur-delis, but they can also be cut to look like bells, hearts, stars, ovals and even chiles. Inspired bakers may even use food coloring to paint them red or green. They are sugared by hand and then dusted with cinnamon. Soft and sweet, biscochitos melt in the mouth and are perfect to dunk in coffee or hot chocolate. NO CHRISTMAS WITHOUT BISCOCHITOS In the Southwest, biscochitos reign supreme among holidays’ sweets. They are often offered to the posadistas — the people who participate in

Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration that re-enacts Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. “There is no Christmas without biscochitos,” says Yolanda Ochoa, who bakes up at least three batches from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. “We share them with family, friends and strangers … Sometimes several of us make biscochitos the same week. Then, of course, we have to compare flavors and exchange recipes and tips. You always learn something new.” Biscochitos are also served at weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays and graduations. They are all-purpose and all-season treats. THE TAOS HERB BISCOCHITO CONTEST Every year in December Taos Herb Company sponsors a biscochito contest. The winner gets a

BISCOCHITOS ARE NEW MEXICO’S STATE COOKIE BEGINNING IN 1989, WHEN THEY WERE OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED AS PART OF THE SOUTHWEST’S CULINARY HERITAGE. BUT THEY HAVE BEEN MADE AND ENJOYED HERE FOR AROUND 400 YEARS.

flavor and appearance to determine the winner. Some come from the Taos County Senior Program, and others, like Robert Graham, are professional bakers. They share a love for all things sweet. Patricia Barela-Rael, a Talpa-based artist and the granddaughter of renowned santero Patrociño Barela, was the winner of last year’s contest.

$100 gift card to the store and two runner-ups receive gift bags.

“Making biscochitos always reminds me of my grandparents,” she said. “My grandma had her own recipe, but I added a few twists that my foster abuelas at the Senior Center taught me.”

Rob Hawley, Taos Herb Company owner, wants to keep the biscochitos tradition alive. He has been running the contest for six years now. There are usually 10 judges who take into consideration the cookies’ texture,

Bakers can enter their biscochitos on Dec. 8 at Taos Herb Company from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Judging will take place Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m. at Taos Herb. Harp music will be featured during the judging. The public is welcome.

Harwood Museum Store offers JULIAN ROBLES limited edition lithographs. Exhibit related books (including out of print), and handcrafted wares by local artists are ideal Holiday gifts! Store open during Lighting of Ledoux, Saturday, December 5 from 5-7pm!

GIVE THE GIFT OF ART 238 Ledoux Street in Taos (just off the plaza) 575.758.9826 www.harwoodmuseum.org

Sharing is NOT Caring The Holidays are a time for giving and sharing. One thing you DO NOT want to SHARE— YOUR MEDICATIONS. Please dispose of unused or expired medications at the following locations: Taos Pueblo Police Department • Questa Police Department • Taos Police Department EXPOSED BY

VISIT WWW.TAOSALIVE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION 2015

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Y Yuletide uletide ininTTaos aos Photography © Terry Thompson Photography © Terry Thompson Photography © Terry Thompson

Holiday Message Mayor Holiday Message fromfrom the the Mayor Holiday Message from the Mayor As the season approaches, behalf of Town As the season approaches, on on behalf of the Town As holiday the holiday holiday season approaches, on behalf of the the Town of II would to wishes to residents, of Taos, I would like like to extend ourour bestbest wishes to our residents, of Taos, Taos, would like to extend extend our best wishes to our our residents, visitors, community partners aa safe joyous visitors, andand community partners for for a safe andand joyous visitors, and community partners for safe and joyous holiday season. holiday season. holiday season. Happy Holiday! Happy Holiday! Happy Holiday! Barrone, Mayor DanDan Barrone, Mayor Dan Barrone, Mayor Town of Town of Taos Town of Taos Taos 30

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2015

Yuletide in Taos Schedule Schedule Schedule Events Events Scheduleofofof ofEvents Events

Photography © Terry Thompson

Yuletide Yuletide Arts Arts and and Crafts Crafts Fair Fair Yuletide Arts and Crafts Fair Yuletide Arts and Crafts Fair November November –29, 29, – 29, Sagebrush Sagebrush Inn Inn &Suites Suites November November 27 2727––2729, Sagebrush Sagebrush Inn Inn & &&Suites Suites

TaosChamber ChamberMusic MusicGroup Group::A :AASpanish SpanishHoliday Holiday Taos Music Group Spanish Holiday Taos Chamber Music Group : A Spanish Holiday December12 and13, 13,5pm, 5pm,Harwood HarwoodMuseum Museum December December 1212and and 13, 13, 5pm, 5pm, Harwood Harwood Museum Museum

Lighting Lighting the the Christmas Christmas Tree Tree and and Electric Electric Light LightParade Parade Parade Lighting the Christmas Tree and Electric Light Lighting the Christmas Tree and Electric Light Parade December December 4,4pm 4pm 8pm, – 8pm, Taos Taos Plaza Plaza December December 4, 4,4,4pm 4pm –––8pm, 8pm, Taos Taos Plaza Plaza

rings rings in in the the holiday holiday season season with with works works by by Enrique Enrique Granados, Granados, Joaquin Joaquin Turina, Turina, Gaspar Gaspar Cassado, Cassado, Frederico Frederico Moreno Moreno Torroba Torroba and andAntonio Antonio Rodil. Rodil. Turina, Gaspar Cassado, Cassado, Frederico Frederico Moreno Moreno Torroba Torroba and and Antonio Antonio Rodil. Turina, Turina, Gaspar Gaspar Cassado, Cassado, Frederico Frederico Moreno Moreno Torroba Torroba and and Antonio Antonio Rodil. Rodil. There Therewill will willalso alsobe surpriseguest guestappearance appearanceby bysome someofof ofTaos’s Taos’shomehomeThere There will also also be bebeaaaasurprise surprise surprise guest guest appearance appearance by by some some of Taos’s Taos’s homehomeThere There will will also also be be a a surprise surprise guest guest appearance appearance by by some some of of Taos’s Taos’s homehomegrown growntalent, talent, talent,performing performingchamber chambermusic, music,New NewMexico-style! Mexico-style! grown grown talent, performing performing chamber chamber music, music, New New Mexico-style! Mexico-style! grown grown talent, talent, performing performing chamber chamber music, music, New New Mexico-style! Mexico-style!

November November 27 27 –– 29, 29, Sagebrush Sagebrush Inn Inn & & Suites Suites Unique Unique hand-made hand-made arts arts and and crafts, crafts, made made byby local local artists. artists. From From handhandUnique Unique hand-made hand-made arts arts and and crafts, crafts, made made by by local local artists. artists. From From handUnique Unique hand-made hand-made arts arts and and crafts, crafts, made made by by local local artists. artists. From From handhandcarved carved santos santos totraditional traditional tin-work. tin-work. Food Food &drinks, drinks, door door prizes, prizes, gift carved carved santos santos to tototraditional traditional tin-work. tin-work. Food Food & &&drinks, drinks, door door prizes, prizes, gift gift carved carved santos santos to to traditional traditional tin-work. tin-work. Food Food & & drinks, drinks, door door prizes, prizes, gift gift wrapping. wrapping. wrapping. wrapping. wrapping. wrapping.

December December 12 12 and and 13, 5pm, 5pm, Harwood Harwood Museum Museum Chamber Chamber music music for forflfl13, ute, flute, ute, violin, violin, cello celloand and piano pianoby bySpanish Spanishcomposers composers Chamber music for ute, violin, violin, cello cello and and piano piano by by Spanish Spanish composers composers Holiday Message from the Mayor Chamber Chamber music music for for fl fl ute, ute, violin, violin, cello cello and and piano piano by by Spanish Spanish composers composers ringsin theholiday holidayseason seasonwith withworks worksby byEnrique EnriqueGranados, Granados,Joaquin Joaquin rings rings ininthe the holiday season season with with works works by by Enrique Enrique Granados, Granados, Joaquin Joaquin

As the holiday season approaches, on behalf ofTaosthe Town Christmas ChristmasEve EveProcession Procession at atTaos Pueblo Pueblo Christmas Eve Procession at Taos Pueblo Christmas Eve Procession at Taos Pueblo December December 24, 24,Sundown, Sundown, Taos TaosPueblo Pueblo December December 24, 24, Sundown, Sundown, Taos Taos Pueblo Pueblo December December 24, 24, Sundown, Sundown, Taos Taos Pueblo Pueblo of Taos, I would like to extend our best wishes tothis our residents, Nowhere Nowhereelse elseon Earthcan can you youexperience experience thismagical magical event. event.AAA Astunning stunning Nowhere Nowhere else else on ononEarth Earth Earth can can you you experience experience this this magical magical event. event. stunning stunning Nowhere Nowhere else else on on Earth Earth can can you you experience experience this this magical magical event. event. A A stunning stunning contrast contrastbetween betweenmassive massivebonfi bonfi res resand andthe theProcession Processionofof ofthe theVirgin Virgin Mary Mary contrast contrast between between massive massive bonfi bonfi res res and and the the Procession Procession of the the Virgin Virgin Mary Mary Lighting Lighting Ledoux Ledoux Lighting Ledoux contrast contrast between between massive massive bonfi bonfi res res and and the the Procession Procession of of the the Virgin Virgin Mary Mary with with rifl rifl e salutes e salutes from from the the rooftops rooftops of of the the 1000 1000 year year old old adobe adobe pueblo pueblo Lighting5,5,Ledoux visitors, and community partners for a safe and joyous with with rifl rifl e e salutes salutes from from the the rooftops rooftops of of the the 1000 1000 year year old old adobe adobe pueblo pueblo December December 5pm 5pm – 7pm, – 7pm, Ledoux Ledoux Street Street with with rifl rifleeAsalutes salutes from from the the rooftops rooftops of of the theand 1000 1000 year year old old adobe adobe pueblo pueblo December December 5, 5, 5pm 5pm –– 7pm, 7pm, Ledoux Ledoux Street Street buildings. buildings. pageant pageant of beauty, beauty, heritage, heritage, andawe awe inspiring inspiring imagery. imagery. December December 5, 5,area 5pm 5pm –– 7pm, 7pm, Ledoux Ledoux Street Street buildings. buildings. AAA pageant pageant of ofof beauty, beauty, heritage, heritage, and and awe awe inspiring inspiring imagery. imagery. The The historic historic area glows glows with with the the light light from from farolitos, farolitos, luminarias luminarias and and bonbonbuildings. buildings. A A pageant pageant of of beauty, beauty, heritage, heritage, and and awe awe inspiring inspiring imagery. imagery. The The historic historic area area glows glows with with the the light light from from farolitos, farolitos, luminarias luminarias and and bonbonThe historic historic area area glows glows with with the the light light from from farolitos, farolitos, luminarias luminarias and andand bonbonfires. fiThe res. Galleries, Galleries, shops, shops, and and museums museums are are open, open, offering offering holiday holiday food food and Christmas ChristmasEve EveTorchlight TorchlightParades Parades holiday season. fifires. res. Galleries, Galleries, shops, shops, and and museums museums are are open, open, offering offering holiday holiday food food and and Christmas Eve Torchlight Parades Christmas Eve Torchlight Parades fi fi res. res. Galleries, Galleries, shops, shops, and and museums museums are are open, open, offering offering holiday holiday food food and and drink. drink.Gather Gatheraround aroundthe thefires firesand andshare shareyour yourstory. story. AllAll the thearea areaskiskiresorts resorts – Taos – TaosSkiSkiValley, Valley, Angel AngelFire, Fire,Sipapu, Sipapu,Enchanted Enchanted December December 4, 4, 4pm 4pm ––into 8pm, 8pm, Taos Taos Plaza Plaza Taos Taos Plaza Plaza transforms transforms awinter winter wonderland wonderland with with local local entertainment, entertainment, Taos Taos Plaza Plaza transforms transforms into intointo aaawinter winter wonderland wonderland with with local local entertainment, entertainment, Taos Taos Plaza Plaza transforms transforms into into a a winter winter wonderland wonderland with with local local entertainment, entertainment, appearances appearances from from Mr. Mr. and and Mrs. Mrs. Claus Claus and and the the Grinch, Grinch, complementary complementary appearances appearances from from Mr. Mr. and and Mrs. Mrs. Claus Claus and and the the Grinch, Grinch, complementary complementary appearances appearances from from Mr. Mr. and and Mrs. Mrs. Claus Claus and and the the Grinch, Grinch, complementary complementary hot hot chocolate chocolate and and cookies, cookies, and and carolers. carolers. hot hot chocolate chocolate and and cookies, cookies, and and carolers. carolers. hot hot chocolate chocolate and and cookies, cookies, and and carolers. carolers.

drink. drink. Gather Gather around around the thethe fifires resfifires and andand share share your your story. story. drink. drink. Gather Gather around around the res and share share your your story. story.

Santa Santa Paws Paws John John Dunn Dunn Shops Shops Santa Paws atatat John Dunn Shops Santa Paws at John Dunn Shops December December12,12,12pm 12pm– 3pm, – 3pm,John JohnDunn Dunn Shops Shops

December December 12, 12, 12pm 12pm –– 3pm, 3pm, John John Dunn Dunn Shops Shops December December 12, 12pm 12pm –– 3pm, 3pm, John John Dunn Dunn Shops Shops Santa Santa will willfind fi12, ndout out what what your yourpet petwants wants forfor Christmas, Christmas,and andpose poseforfora a Santa Santa will will fi fi nd nd out out what what your your pet pet wants wants for for Christmas, Christmas, and and pose pose for forfor aa aa Santa Santa will will fi fi nd nd out out what what your your pet pet wants wants for for Christmas, Christmas, and and pose pose for photo photowith withyour yourpet. pet.Pets Petsavailable availableforforadoption adoptionwill willalso alsobebepresent. present. Hot Hot photo photo with withwith your youryour pet. pet.pet. Pets PetsPets available available for forfor adoption adoption will willwill also also be bebe present. present. Hot Hot photo photo with your pet. Pets available available for adoption will also also be present. present. Hot beverages beverages and and snacks. snacks. This This is isa abenefi benefi t for tadoption forSt.St.James James Pet Pet Food Food Pantry. Pantry.Hot beverages beverages and and snacks. snacks. This This is is a a benefi benefi t t for for St. St. James James Pet Pet Food Food Pantry. Pantry. beverages beverages and and snacks. snacks. This This isis aa benefi benefitt for for St. St. James James Pet Pet Food Food Pantry. Pantry.

Happy Holiday! Dan Barrone, Mayor Bonfi Bonfi res res on on Bent Bent Street Street Bonfi resres on Bent Street Bonfi on Bent Street December December 12,12, 10am 10am – 7pm, – 7pm, Bent BentStreet Streetand andJohn JohnDunn DunnShops Shops December December 12, 12, 10am 10am –– 7pm, 7pm, Bent Bent Street Street and and John John Dunn Dunn Shops Shops Town of Taos December December 12, 12, 10am 10am – – 7pm, 7pm, Bent Street Street and and John John Dunn Dunn Shops Shops Bonfi Bonfi resrestotowarm warmyou, you,snacks snacks inBent inthe theshops, shops, music music and and events events allallday. day. Bonfi Bonfi res res to to warm you, snacks snacks in infarolitos, the the shops, shops, music music and and events events all alland day. day. Bonfi Bonfi res reswarm to to4pm warm warm you, you, snacks snacks in in the the shops, shops, music music and and events events all all day. day. Reception Reception 4pm –you, 7pm – 7pm with with farolitos, luminaries, luminaries, food, food, music, music, and Santa. Santa. Reception Reception 4pm 4pm –– 7pm 7pm with with farolitos, farolitos, luminaries, luminaries, food, food, music, music, and and Santa. Santa. Reception Reception 4pm 4pm –– 7pm 7pm with with farolitos, farolitos, luminaries, luminaries, food, food, music, music, and and Santa. Santa.

All AllAll the the area area ski skiski resorts resorts –––Taos Taos Ski Ski Valley, Angel Angel Fire, Sipapu, Sipapu, Enchanted Enchanted All the the area area ski resorts resorts Taos Taos Ski SkiValley, Valley, Valley, Angel AngelFire, Fire, Fire, Sipapu, Sipapu, Enchanted Enchanted Forest, Forest, and and Red Red River River– have ––have torchlight torchlight parades parades during during the theholiday holiday season. season. Forest, Forest, and and Red Red River River – – have have torchlight torchlight parades parades during during the the holiday holiday season. season. Forest, Forest, and and Red Red River River – – have have torchlight torchlight parades parades during during the the holiday holiday season. season. Watch Watchasasskiers skiersmake maketheir theirway waydown downthe themountain mountainininthe thedark darkusing using Watch Watch as as skiers skiers make make their their way way down down the the mountain mountain in in the the dark dark using using Watch as astheir skiers skiers make make their their way way down down the the mountain mountain in in the the dark dark using using flares flWatch aresasastheir only only means means ofoflight. light. flflares ares as asas their their only only means means ofof light. flflares ares as their their only only means meansof oflight. light. light.

Deer Deeror ororMatachinas MatachinasDance Dance Deer Dance Deer orMatachinas Matachinas Dance December December 25, 25,2pm, 2pm,Taos TaosPueblo Pueblo Plaza Plaza

December December 25, 25, 2pm, 2pm, Taos Pueblo Pueblo Plaza Plaza December December 25, 25, 2pm, 2pm,Taos Taos Taos Pueblo Pueblo Plaza Plaza Traditional Traditional Christmas Christmas Day Daydances. dances.Dances Dancesbegin beginatat2pm. 2pm.Please PleaserememrememTraditional Traditional Christmas Christmas Day Day dances. dances. Dances Dances begin begin at at 2pm. Please Please rememrememTraditional Traditional Christmas Christmas Day Day dances. dances. Dances Dances begin begin at at2pm. 2pm. 2pm. Please Please rememremember berallallphotography photographyand andrecording recordingis isstrictly strictlyprohibited. prohibited. The The best bestimages images ber ber all all photography photography and and recording recording is is strictly strictly prohibited. prohibited. The The best best images images ber ber all all photography photography and andhearts recording recording ismemories is strictly strictly prohibited. prohibited. The The best best images are are captured captured ininthe themind, mind, heartsand and memories ofofthe thevisitor. visitor. are are captured captured in inin the the mind, mind, hearts and memories of the visitor. are are captured captured in the the mind, mind,hearts hearts heartsand and andmemories memories memoriesof of ofthe the thevisitor. visitor. visitor. 2015

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Visit Visittaos.org taos.orgforfora acomplete completelistlistofofYuletide YuletideininTaos Taosevents. events. Visit Visit taos.org taos.org for for aaacomplete list ofof Yuletide inin Taos events. Visit Visit taos.org taos.org for for acomplete complete completelist list listof ofYuletide Yuletide Yuletidein inTaos Taos Taosevents. events. events.

By Teresa Dovalpage

TAMALADAS

A cherished tradition WHEN THE FRAGRANCE OF MASA dough fills the kitchen, everybody knows it is tamale time. But making tamales from scratch is a labor of love. It requires that the whole family pitches in, even the kids. “As a child growing up in Yuriria, Guanajuato, I remember tamale days as really busy,” says Angela Morales. “Small children helped by soaking the corn husks or folding and tying them, while older kids spread the masa. Nobody was supposed to be idle because we all were going to eat. ‘Ayuden si tienen dientes’ (help if you have teeth), my grandma said. That was a tamalada, a big tamalecooking feast!” 32

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LINA’S SAVORY TAMALES Lina Garcia is the Queen of Tamales at Abe’s Cantina y Cocina, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. Every Christmas, Garcia prepares more than 300 dozen tamales, all handmade and there are always people on her “tamale waiting list.” The following is her personal recipe: Lina’s tamales (makes 27 dozen) Ingredients: 8 bags (32 oz. each) Bueno frozen posole and water to cover 2 tablespoon salt 24 qt. pressure cooker 1 tablespoon garlic salt 1 cup masa harina 2015

2-3 cups meat broth; about 2 cups to start for a hard dough consistency 6 bags Bueno corn husks, steamed or boiled until soft, about 10 minutes Directions: Cook the meat/ broth the night before. Soften the corn husks and set all aside. Cook posole covered in water for about four hours at medium high, with two tablespoons salt, until soft but not mushy. Cool completely. Grind posole with hand grinder or food processor until coarse—not fine, or it will turn to mush. Add one tablespoon garlic salt and one tablespoon salt, one cup masa harina and about two cups meat broth. Mix together until a hard dough forms. Add up to one cup more meat broth if the posole absorbs a lot of fluid, but don’t let the dough get mushy. Put about ½ cup posole masa on the center of the corn husk, add about two ounces of chicken/ green chile or pork/chile caribe mixture

on top of the posole masa. Roll the husk up length-wise and fold up the ends. Stand tamales on end in the pressure cooker with a little water and cook on mediumhigh for two and a half hours. Follow the directions of your pressure cooker manual. Enjoy topped with chile of choice. SWEET TAMALES, MEXICAN STYLE Not as popular as their savory counterparts, sweet tamales are special occasion snacks, the kind of antojitos reserved for Christmas or Candlemas Day (February 2nd). “In Mexico we usually place a monito (a little figurine of the Baby Jesus) inside the Rosca de Reyes, the sweet fruity bread we share on Three Kings Day,” said Morales. “Whoever finds the figurine has to host a feast of tamales on Candlemas Day.” EASY SWEET TAMALE RECIPE Ingredients: 1cup butter, oil or lard 4 cups of masa harina (like

Maseca brand) 4 cups water 1 tablespoon baking powder 1teaspoon anise seeds 1teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup raisins 1 can diced pineapple (or a cup fresh strawberries) 30 corn husks (before using, soak dried corn husks for at least thirty minutes) *Pine nuts and Mexican vanilla can be added as well. Directions: Place the four cups of masa harina in a large bowl, add water and blend together. Mix butter and brown sugar for about four or five minutes, until the mixture gets fluffy. Put aside. Add oil, cinnamon powder, sugar and salt to the masa harina-and-water mixture. If desired, put them all in a blender for one minute —

but don’t over-process it! Add the butter and brown sugar, which should be a sugary paste by now, and blend everything well. Add baking powder, diced pineapple (or strawberries) and raisins, and mix thoroughly. Again, you can use the mixer or do it by hand, using a big wooden spoon. Let it rest for 20-25 minutes. Fill a corn husk with a spoon of batter and enclose in husk, doubling pointed end over bottom half. Tie with strings. Repeat the process. If you are making both pineapple and strawberry tamales, use a red string for strawberry and a yellow one for pineapple. Place tamales in steamer or large pot with about three inches of water in the bottom. Bring water to boil and cover. Reduce heat to low and simmer or steam about one hour and a half. Tina Larkin/File photo

Lina Garcia makes her infamous chicken and green chile tamales in the kitchen at Abe’s Cantina y Cocina in Arroyo Seco.

BONFIRES on

BENT STREET Holiday

BLOCK

• food • festivities • drink • music • deals • drawings

Party

Saturday, December 12th 10am-7pm, Reception 4pm-7pm

Taos’ best value for gourmet and healthy foods.

Wishes you and your family a safe, happy and healthy Holiday Season. 314 Paseo del Pueblo Norte Monday 10-2, Tues-Fri 2-6, Saturday 12-4

Featuring the John Dunn and Bent Street Shops Shop, meet friends, and make merry! Coloring your holiday table.

The Kitchen Shop on Bent St.

Open 7 days a week • 113 Bent St., Taos 575.758.5435 Visit us online www.taoscookery.com 2015

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By Andy Dennison

STOPPING HUNGER PAINS

Taos Feeds Taos now in its 30th year HARD TO BELIEVE, but Taos Feeds Taos has been around for 30 years. It’s been three decades since B&B owner Jim Ulmer saw not only the need to feed Taoseños during the holidays but, more importantly, the benefits of a coordinated effort to do so. “Jim Ulmer realized that there was a lot of duplication in different organizations for distributing holiday food, and he had a long-range plan to touch everybody in need,” said Francis Cordova who, along with former Taos mayor Eloy Jeantette, was one of the original movers-andshakers behind Taos Feeds Taos. “He also believed that we should give out food so that families could spend their money on gifts for their family.” Ulmer, a veteran and member of the VFW, thought the armory at the north end of Blueberry Hill Road would be an ideal staging area for food distributing. So he and Cordova, a first sergeant in the National Guard, traveled to Santa Fe and received the blessing of Gen. Edward D. Baca to use the armory. The first 300 baskets, including turkeys, were handed out in 1986. Two years later, 500 baskets 34

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went out the door. When the armory moved to its current location south of town, Taos Feeds Taos moved with it. And, the program has grown ever since. In 2015, Taos Feeds Taos will distribute some $64,000 worth of food in some 1,100 boxes on Dec. 18 — just in time for the holidays. The organization supports the cost of food through individual donations and a public fundraising benefit concert in early December. Schools join in, with competitions for the most donations by a classroom. But, most of all, hundreds of volunteers make this massive effort possible. “We have such a terrific team,” said Cordova. “If the world could come together like this … I’m so proud of the Taos community.” Taos Feeds Taos has developed a solid process that focuses on getting food to those most in need. Through word-of-mouth, radio and newspaper announcements, and website notifications, the organization lets Taos County residents know where and when they can apply for the food boxes. Many folks in Taos County are reticent to acknowledge their poverty, said Ernestina Cordova, so 2015

Taos Feeds Taos relies on others to call in to register people in need. Some are referred by churches, and the group makes it possible for some to pick up their food at their place of worship. “We want to touch those proud people who don’t want any attention given to them,” she said, noting that, over the years, food has been designated by neighbors and friends to recent accident and fire victims. “Everyone knows someone in need, and we want to be sure everyone possible is included.” Applicants bring in proof of residency and income at appointed times in Taos, Peñasco, Questa/Cerro and Amalia/Costilla. Local supermarkets bid to supply the food. This year, some 36 items will be in the boxes: staples like flour and rice, dried goods, apples and potatoes, canned goods and snacks.

Over the years, local giver Leo Martinez has provided dried posole and red chile for the food boxes. What used to be done in three weeks is now crunched into a single week of packing, loading and delivering. A loyal cadres of local residents join national guardsmen and Kit Carson Electric Cooperative employees to put things together just in time for Christmas. The guard puts its trucks at the disposal of Taos Feeds Taos to deliver to distribution centers, like El Centro de Comunidad in Peñasco, VFW in Questa and the Amalia Senior Center. Cordova noted that Kit Carson came fully on board in 2004, when the Taos National Guard unit was deployed overseas. “We are so grateful for Kit Carson to let its employees get time off to help us out,” Cordova said.

Linda Knief who, along with her husband Bill, have been helping coordinate Taos Feeds Taos in recent years, called the food distribution a “perfect antidote to a commercial Christmas. “We go home tired but happy after it’s all done,” she said. “It’s a celebration, the essence of Christmas.” Francis Cordova agrees: “We’re so unique here in Taos, with so many people helping people. The community comes together to give: You can’t get it any better than that.” And it’s not only those in need who are gratified. “Taos Feeds Taos surely

enhanced the morale of the troops at the Guard unit in Taos,” said Baca. “I wanted to get back to being more of a community-based approach, and I could see that the guardsmen were proud to be a part of Taos Feed Taos. In other words, the motive (holiday food for those in need) was right and the side effects helped the Guard’s morale.” The filling of boxes begins Dec. 8 with food pickup. Over the next seven days, volunteers will sort food, tape boxes, load and label them and put them on pallets for delivery on Dec. 17-18 — all at the National Guard Armory on County Road 110.

Clockwise from top: Past Rocky Mountain Youth Corps volunteers add to the distribution boxes for an annual Taos Feeds Taos, photo by Tina Larkin; Taos Feeds Taos volunteers get into the holiday spirit, courtesy Taos Feeds Taos; past Taos Feed Taos volunteers get to the bottom of one of the many shipments delivered for distribution at the Taos National Guard Armory, photo by Tina Larkin

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By Scott Gerdes

TAOS ONSTAGE ‘A Christmas Story’: A joyous celebration of childhood

“AH, THERE IT IS. MY HOUSE. And good old Cleveland Street. How could I ever forget it? And there I am, with that dumb round face and ... that stupid stocking cap. But no matter. Christmas was on its way. Lovely, glorious, beautiful Christmas ... around which the entire kid year revolved,” says an adult Ralphie Parker narrating the beginning of “A Christmas Story.” This classic, endearing holiday tale of 9-year-old Ralphie and his desperation for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas is a mustsee. Behind wire-rimmed glasses and an ache in his voice, Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture set in the 1940s are here including the family’s temperamental

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‘WE MAKE IT AS MUCH FUN AS WE POSSIBLY CAN AND OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, THE AUDIENCE HAS REALLY GOTTEN INTO IT.’ – CHARLOTTE KEEFE exploding furnace; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; and, of course, Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a black net stocking. Taos Onstage happily presents an old-time radio play/dinner theater production of “A Christmas Story” from a script adapted by Phillip Grecian.

2015

Performance dates are Dec. 15-16 at Taos Mesa Brewing with buffet dinner served at 6 p.m. The curtain rises at 7 p.m. Before the radio play begins a buffet turkey dinner (and a vegetarian option) with all the trimmings will be served (not included as part of the season ticket price) atop linen table cloths adorned with Christmas tablescapes. The dinner and show is $30 per person in advance. Reservations are required. The earliest reservations get the best seating. Admission is $15 per person for just the performance. Because of limited seating, reservations for the performance only are suggested. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Habitiat for Humanity. Director Charlotte Keefe described the show as “not really a broadcast, but it’s as if it were a 1940’s radio show with radio actors that are supposedly broadcasting in front of a live audience.”

About 10-12 actors will read from rehearsed, handheld scripts and dress in period clothing. Some actors will have multiple roles using different voices. Through open auditions, Keefe tries to find a place for as many people that want to participate. A Foley artist (live soundeffects specialist) will also be on stage and jingle singers will add to the realism during commercial breaks with period product spots associated with the story, such as Somoniz car polish (what Ralphie wants to give his dad for Christmas) and Lifebuoy soap (what Ralphie gets his mouth washed out with). Rick DeStefano and his keyboard will provide the background, transition and underscore music, which he composed.

tacky leg lamp.

And, of course, the telling of “A Christmas Story” wouldn’t be complete without props such as the infamous BB gun and the

This is the third annual Christmas radio play. The first two productions were “It’s a Wonderful Life.” While that’s a beloved holiday story,

too, Keefe thought it was time to change things up. “This is also such a great story,” Keefe said. “I know some people who have never even seen the movie.”

Katharine Egli

Some of the cast of the Taos Onstage holiday production of “A Christmas Story.”

Audience participation is encouraged, she added, whether that be with cheers, boos or laughter. “We make it as much fun as we possibly can and over the

last two years, the audience has really gotten into it,” she said. Taos Onstage was established in 2013 by a small group of dedicated

Taoseños with a background in community theater. The group supports the community by donating a portion of proceeds from each production to a

community organization that enhances the quality of life in Taos and the surrounding region. Keefe founded the group along with Dianne Davis and

Susan Lewis. Productions run from fall to spring. “A Christmas Story” performance dates are Dec. 15-16 at Taos Mesa Brewing.

Buffet dinner with reserved seats, first reservations get best seating; 6 p.m.; Curtain 7 p.m. For more information call (575) 224-4587.

2015

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ALL ABOARD THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN CLIMB ONTO AMERICA’S MOST AUTHENTIC narrow gauge railroad and experience its mystique, history and the spectacular mountain scenery for the price of a non-perishable food item or small toy. The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad offers the Christmas Train for the second year in a row, which will provide free rides Dec. 12 and 13 to fight hunger

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IT IS THE HIGHEST AND LONGEST NARROW GAUGE STEAM RAILROAD IN THE COUNTRY...

2015

and make the holidays a little brighter for Northern New Mexico kids. The event is held in cooperation with the Echo Inc. Food Bank in Farmington, New Mexico, the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots and Albuquerque’s KOB Channel 4. Last year, the event collected 6,500 pounds of food in Chama and nearly 1,000 toys in Antonio, Colorado. All the food and

toy items collected will be distributed in Northern New Mexico. In exchange for a donation of a nonperishable food item or small toy per each adult, a family can take a free roundtrip ride from Chama to the Lobato trestle and back. Santa Claus and his elves will be riding along serving hot chocolate and snacks.

Rides start at 9 a.m. with the last train departing at 3 p.m. each day depending on reservations. To reserve your spot, call the Chama Depot at 888-286-2737 or go online to cumbrestoltec. com/christmas. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The Cumbres and Toltec

trains traverse between Chama and Antonio, Colorado, through Cumbres Pass and Toltec Gorge, from which it takes its name. It is the highest and longest narrow gauge steam railroad in the country with a track length of 64 miles. — Staff report

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad’s Christmas Train will benefit two charities this holiday season and give riders a trip to remember.

10,000 WAGS

Taos Men’s Shelter 9 TO 5 SHIP & PRINT

GUTIZ

Stray Hearts HARWOOD MUSEUM

Non Violence Works

Harwood Museum of Art

ACEQ

TAOS ALIVE

Field Institute of Taos

Taos Alive

VILLAGE OF CHAMA

JOHN DUNN HOUSE SHOPS

Chama Valley Chamber of Commerce CHAVEZ FINE JEWELERS

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps CHEVRON QUESTA MINE

North Central Food Pantry CID’S FOOD MARKET

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps CLARKE & CO.

DreamTree Project

KIT CARSON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Bridges Project for Education LAMBERT’S OF TAOS

Taos Art Museum LEIGH GUSTERSON

La Jicarita Community Foundation MICHAEL’S KITCHEN

Taos Men’s Shelter

The Adult Learning Center

COMMITTEE TO ELECT ROBERTO GONZALES

MOXIE FAIR TRADE AND HANDMADE

Talpa Community Library EARLENE’S CAFÉ

Stray Hearts FRANCESCA’S

Community Against Violence FRIDAY MOTORS

High Altitude Athletics LA CASA CANNABIS

Dream Tree Project GRAYSTONE FURNITURE

Community Against Violence

Spirit of the Season

Taos Men’s Shelter MUDD-N-FLOOD

Rivers & Birds BONFIRES ON BENT

Rivers & Birds

PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL ESPAÑOLA

Presbyterian Breast Cancer Foundation

RENEUX

Stray Hearts SACRED TRADITIONS

Taos Senior Center

A PORTION OF ALL THE AD PROCEEDS IN THIS SECTION WILL BE DONATED TO THE NON-PROFITS LISTED HERE.

SANTA FE BOTANICAL GARDEN

Santa Fe Garden Club SECO VILLAGE ASSOC.

Taos Land Trust

COMMITTEE TO ELECT CARLOS CISNEROS

Stray Hearts

TAOS ART MUSEUM AT FECHIN HOUSE

Taos Art Museum

TAOS TACK

Stray Hearts TAOS TIN WORKS

Non Violence Works

TAOS CHAMBER MUSIC GROUP

TOWN OF TAOS

OVERLAND SHEEPSKIN

Bridges Project for Education

PERFORMANCE SANTA FE

Community Against Violence

Twirl Toystore & Playspace

TAOS COOKERY

Field Institute of Taos

UNICORN SCHOOL SUPPLY

PICURIS SMOKE SHOP

RANDALL LUMBER OF TAOS

Anansi Day School

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps Taos School of Music Picuris Pueblo

Habitat for Humanity

TAOS CLAY

TAOS FOLK

TAOS FOOD CO-OP

Stray Hearts TWIRL TOYSTORE & PLAYSPACE

Stray Hearts

VILLAGE OF QUESTA

North Central Food Pantry WILDLANDANCE

Casa de Maria Research Center

Ooonah Center, Taos Pueblo

THE HISTORIC TAOS INN

Taos Men’s Shelter

TAOS MOUNTAIN CASINO

ZEKE’S AUTO SUPPLY & MACHINE SHOP

Taos Land Trust

Oonah Center, Taos Pueblo

WOLFGANG’S SPA WORKS

Taos Men’s Shelter

The Taos News 2015

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WISHING ON A HOLIDAY STAR 500 Wishes returns for its 6th year THERE’S NOTHING MORE HEARTWARMING than seeing a child’s eyes sparkle in wonderment, especially those who thought Christmas might be just like any other ordinary day. Friday Motors will once again make the holidays special for many local children this season and at the same time give donors a chance to win daily prizes, plus bid on apecial auction items. “This event is important because we have a real need in our community. We have a number of children in foster care, and many whose parents are just getting by,” said Debbie Friday-Jagers, Friday Motors general sales manager. “This is a chance for the community to give back, in an organized partnership with our schools and local businesses. The faces of the families each year are priceless. The thank you notes, hugs, tears and the smiles on the children’s faces when they pick up their gifts. Last year, we even had some Christmas trees donated to the first families that wanted them.” Students from Taos High School and Taos Middle

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School will be wrapping all of the gifts this year including a lot of surprises planned for the kids, Friday-Jagers added. “With our partners over the last five years, we have given thousands of gifts to over 1,000 local children and awarded almost $10,000 in youth sports scholarships.” said Judi Friday, president and dealer/operator at Friday Motors. “We have been so touched by both the donors and the graciousness of the families. It has been a wonderful success and we are looking forward to this year being even better.” The daily prizes and auction items are worth more than $5,000. The program started with daily prizes to “encourage people to bring gifts, knowing that some folks were going to have to choose between paying their electric bill or buying toys, “said FridayJagers. That influenced why Friday Motors “looked for the daily prizes to be meaningful,” she added. This year’s program will be a little different than in years past. Local citizens are asked to bring a $5 donation to Friday Motors starting

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‘I THINK WE ARE NOW THE LARGEST TOY DRIVE IN TOWN AND HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE.’ — DEBBIE FRIDAYJAGERS. Thanksgiving weekend. The money collected will be used to create “Wish Boxes” for each child in this year’s program. A complete “Wish Box” may also be sponsored for $20 per child. For each $5 donation, you will

receive a ticket for the daily drawings. Purchase of a “Wish Box” will receive 5 tickets to be used as you please. Also, special bonus prizes from local sponsors will be awarded every day. Beginning Thursday, Dec. 3, at 9:30 a.m. on KKIT, the Mountain, the first winner will be drawn. Daily prizes are donated from various local businesses (listed below). The minimum daily prize is $100. In addition, several items will also be available through the Silent Auction. The proceeds from these gifts will go to local students, ages 8 to 18, for their local sports team through the Taos Sports Alliance. You can make a donation and bid on auction items Monday through Friday

from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Friday Motors located on Paseo de Pueblo Sur. Daily winners will be announced on KKIT, FM 95.9 The Mountain, every morning at 9:30 a.m. with Michael Dean. The 500 Wishes for Christmas campaign is made possible with generous support from KKIT/KXMT/KKTC/ KVOT/KTRZ, Walmart and The Taos News. Daily sponsors include: Kit Carson Electric ($200 Electric credit), Kit Carson Propane ($200 Propane credit), Joella Montoya’s Farmers’ Insurance ($100 pre-paid gas card), Double D Ranch ($100 pre-paid debit card), Peoples Bank (pre-paid debit card), Taos Twist ($324 place

setting), Century 21 Success ($100 pre-paid utility), Dr. Kellie Harris ($100 gift certificate), Cid’s Food Market ($100 gift certificate), High Altitude Athletics ($100 gift certificate), Friday Motors ($250 gift certificate), and many, many more. Auction sponsors include Kurt’s Taos Tennis at the Quail Ridge, Sears, Chevrolet, General Rental, and local restaurants and businesses. “I think we are now the largest toy drive in town and have an obligation to continue to provide,” said Friday-Jagers. For more information, please call Debbie or Stormi at (575) 7582252 or email internet@ fridaymotors.com. — Staff report

Merry Christmas Taos, Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, & Santa Fe Counties!! PHOTO BY KATHARINE EGLI, THE TAOS NEWS

Senator Carlos R. Cisneros

Feliz navidad y prospero a単o nuevo! Political Ad paid for by the committee to reelect Carlos R. Cisneros.

2015

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THE CAV ANGEL TREE

18 years of yuletide COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS and donors are the reallife angels behind the Community Against Violence (CAV) Angel Tree, which began in 1997. The idea was born when a CAV advocate was working with families in crisis and saw the fragile situations that changed daily within those survivors’ lives. One important thought stood out as the holidays approached — the many children staying in Taos County’s only domestic/ sexual violence shelter were unlikely to receive Christmas gifts. With a desire to bring a little hope and joy, she launched the very first local Angel Tree Project. For 18 years, the residents and businesses throughout the northern communities have come together with generous support to help CAV provide holiday gifts for thousands of families. 42

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Project coordinator Loretta Romo explained, “The first year we helped about 20 children. We realized though that many of the families who come through our services are living very fragile lives and struggle post-abuse to provide more than the bare necessities to their children. Over the years we grew to serve those children, too. The number varies each year, from gifts for 325 children to our highest year, which brought gifts to over 500 children who are survivors of violence.” Unlike many other charitable efforts, the CAV Angel Tree serves clients and their children without additional financial restrictions. “We know our families need help and the gifts are a combination of practical and fun,” said Romo. Work on the Angel Tree Project begins early in

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‘WE KNOW OUR FAMILIES NEED HELP AND THE GIFTS ARE A COMBINATION OF PRACTICAL AND FUN.’ — LORETTA ROMO. November. Volunteer Angels list each child’s wishes on paper angels hung on the decorated lobby tree. Community members pick up the wish lists before Thanksgiving.

Individuals and businesses all participate. Often mothers and fathers bring their children to CAV to pick a wish list from the tree as part of their own holiday tradition.

Wrapped gifts, marked with the Angel’s number (to protect identities), are returned to CAV in time for the coordinator to organize distribution the weekend before Christmas.

disturbing young people’s notions of Santa. “This isn’t about Santa. It’s about community caring for our own and why we called it the ‘Angel Tree’ in the first place.”

“The best part is seeing the kids’ faces,” she said, not at all worried about

Contact CAV at (575) 751-4824 or online at taoscav.org.

Courtesy photo

CAV staffers Rachel Cox, left, and Loretta Romo with wrapped gifts preparing for the Angel Tree celebration just before Christmas 2014.

Holiday Recipes The traditional Mexican Christmas punch called Ponche Navideño is a tropical fruit punch made from fresh and dried fruits. It is served warm and has the option of adding liquor — a little nip of rum — for the grownups. Ponche is traditionally rooted in Mexico during Christmastime and often served during Las Posadas. There are many variations to the recipe, but typically tejocotes (fruit from a species of hawthorne tree they resemble crabapples and smell like jasmine flowers once cooked), guava, tamarind and piloncillo (A type of raw cane sugar that comes in little cones wrapped in cellophane. Panela can also be used, or just brown sugar.) are common ingredients. Asian pear can be substituted for tejocotes. It’s not easy to find the traditional main ingredients like tejocotes or sugar cane sticks, but if you live close to a Latin food store, look for the canned version of the sugar cane sticks. In some Latin stores you can even find a jar that has the hard to find ingredients like guavas, sugar cane and tejocotes in a sweet syrup. Ponche isn’t an exact science. Sometimes it’s an experiment. Some aficionados add hibiscus flowers, which give the drink a nice burgundy color. In the end, every ingredient simmers as one until the fresh fruits are soft, and the dried fruits become plump, sugarswollen nuggets. For extra authenticity, serve your ponche in cantaritos — little clay mugs — and warm your face on the sweet-smelling steam that rises from them.

Courtesy McCormick

Mexican ponche (Christmas punch) is traditionally served during Las Posadas.

PONCHE NAVIDEÑO Note: Remember, don’t feel married to any ponche recipe, as the ratios can be modified for your taste buds. Ingredients (12 servings) 4 quarts water (1 gallon) 1 large piloncillo (12 oz) or brown sugar 3 cinnamon sticks 1 lb. tejocotes (or Asian pears) 1 1/2 lb. guavas (about 12 guavas) 1 1/2 cup apples, chopped 3/4 cup prunes, chopped 1/2 cup raisins 3 sugar cane sticks about 5-inches long, cut into four pieces each 1 cup tamarind pods, peeled (or 1 cup Hibiscus flowers) 8 oz walnuts, chopped (optional) Rum to taste (optional)

Preparation 1. Place water in a large stockpot. 2. Add the piloncillo (or brown sugar) and cinnamon to cook for about 15 minutes. If you are using fresh tejocotes, add them with the piloncillo and cinnamon since they take longer to soften. 3. Add the chopped guavas, apples, and prunes along with the rest of the ingredients like the sugar cane sticks, tamarind pods or hibiscus flowers. If you are using the canned version of the tejocotes then add them in this step. 4. Simmer for about 1 hour. Serve hot in mugs, ladling some of the fruit in and adding rum to your liking.

1010 Spruce St. Española, NM (505) 753-7111 www.phs.org/espanola

Happy Holidays!

ReNeux

womens fine consignment and retail clothing

575-758-4460 • 126-B W. Plaza Dr., Taos, NM 2015

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TAOS COMMUNITY CHORUS ‘Mexican Baroque: Exploring Our Past’ THE TAOS COMMUNITY CHORUS (TCC) has been a longstanding tradition in Taos since 1978. The joy of singing together, making beautiful music and bringing quality choral music concerts to the community, is what brings the singers together. The TCC begins their 2015 Holiday Concert Season the first weekend in December, with another enchanting winter program, “Mexican Baroque: Exploring Our Past.” Returning guest conductor Ryan Allais, collaborative pianist Claire Detels and the TCC present the music of 18th-century Italian composer Ignacio de Jerusalem, Manuel de Sumaya and Antonio de Salazar. 44

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Concert dates are Saturday, Dec. 5, at the First Presbyterian Church of Taos; Sunday, Dec. 6, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Taos; Saturday, Dec. 12, at the historic La Santísima Trinidad Church in Arroyo Seco; and Sunday, Dec. 13, at St. James Episcopal Church in Taos. All concerts begin at 3 p.m. Allais is a Taos High graduate and the current head band and choir director for Taos Municipal Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from New Mexico State University, and is the Minister of Music for First Presbyterian Church of Taos, singer with the New Mexico Bach Society and an administrator for the Taos Opera Institute.

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This year’s holiday music features the works of de Jerusalem who was a violinist and composer. One of 11 children, de Jerusalem studied the violin extensively in his homeland before relocating in 1732 to the Spanish port city of Cádiz. Establishing himself as a virtuoso of the instrument, he performed regularly at the Coliseo de Cádiz, the city’s most distinguished theater. De Jerusalem soon became known as the “musical marvel” for his exceptional talents. De Jerusalem is credited with helping to originate a new musical tradition that combined the liturgical forms of the Catholic church with the native folk songs and instruments of Mexico,

now referred to as the California mission style. He was also largely responsible for popularizing this “new” Baroque style in the New World while serving as chapel master at the Mexico City Cathedral from 1750 until his death in 1769. A concensus of music historians state the most outstanding composer of Mexican Baroque music aside from de Jerusalem is Manuel de Sumaya (also called “Zumaya”) of Mexico City. He was known for his writing skills, direct understanding of certain stylistic traits in the Italian Baroque, and an ability to translate Italian opera libretti into Spanish. Antonio de Salazar was a Mexican composer of Spanish

birth known for composing sacred music for choruses, villancicos (poetic genre of Spanish song most prevalent in the Renaissance) and canzonetas (16th-century Italian vocal music). He was a choir master of Puebla Cathedral in 1679 and by 1688 was the master of the chapel at the Cathedral of Mexico City. He organized the archives, supervised the building of a new organ and was a noted teacher. The majority of his vocal works for choruses were often scored for two choirs. Again this season, nonchorus members will get the chance to croon during the annual Messiah Sing-

Along, Sunday, Dec. 20, 3 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church. The community is invited to join in the hourand-a half program and will be asked to sit in either the soprano, alto, tenor or bass section. Everyone is requested to bring a score of “Handel’s Messiah” or one may be borrowed. There is a suggested donation of $10. Admission to the Holiday Concert is $12 in advance, $15 at the door, seniors and students $10. For more information, visit taoschorus.org, facebook.com/ TaosCommunityChorus or call (575) 770-2405. — Staff report File photo

The Taos Community Chorus performs in a holiday concert.

Famous Taos Pop-Up Store

The Best Holiday Shopping in Taos!

AFFORDABLE GIFTS BY TAOS HANDS

Now Through Dec 24th Daily 11am-5pm Please Join Us for a Christmas Eve Celebration 2-5pm STABLES GALLERY (BEHIND THE TAOS INN)

575 779 8568 • TAOSFOLK.COM

1 Family 3 Generations 94 Reasons to Say Thanks For 94 years Randall Lumber’s been honored to build Taos. We’ve employed families for decades. Supplied builders through thick and thin. Watched kids become grandparents. Through it all, we’ve been thankful to do this in the special place we call home.

This Christmas we say thanks Taos. 2015

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A HELPING HAND, A HAPPY HEART TAKING ACTION TO BENEFIT THOSE LESS fortunate is a year-round need across the country and around the world. The holiday season, however, tends to enhance the plight of others while causing a rise in volunteerism. Volunteerism is not held to any culture, political ideology or religion. It is as pure in purpose as newly fallen snow. There are many ways to lend a hand to people and animals in Taos, whether its putting food on the tables for underprivileged families with Taos Feeds Taos or putting in some time at Holy Cross Hospital. An extra hour or two of your time every week can make a meaningful difference in the lives of many, including yourself. Volunteering also sets an excellent example of humility and selflessness for our children, it can even be a great family activity. Here is a partial list of organizations and causes that could use your help this holiday season. For a complete list, go online to chambermaster.taoschamber. org. COMMUNITY AGAINST VIOLENCE seeks

community members to assist with front desk and telephone reception, office work, fundraising, events, landscaping, CAV Thrift Store help and community outreach. Volunteers must fill out an application and pass a background check before they begin. For an application, visit taoscav.org or stop by at 945 Salazar Road, Taos. DREAMTREE PROJECT

seeks volunteers to teach life skills classes to youth in this transitional living program, including everything from how to make a burrito to how to change a car tire. Call 46

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(575) 758-9595 or send a text message to (575) 7707704. EQUINE SPIRIT SANCTUARY seeks

individuals to assist in the growth of ESS and dayto-day operations such as assisting with activities and fundraising efforts. The ESS mission is to offer programs for people in education and activities relating to horses, and rescue and rehabilitation for horses. For more information, email info@ equinespiritsancturay. org or go online to equinespiritsanctuary.org. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY.

Help a Taos family realize their dream of owning a home and paying an affordable mortgage in their hometown. No experience necessary, training and friendly, patient supervision provided. Call (575) 758-7827 or email hfht@ taosnet.com or visit the website taoshabitat.org.

HOLY CROSS HOSPITAL AUXILIARY seeks volunteers

to serve their community hospital. Adult men and women needed in the Gift Shop, Day Surgery and as ED Patient Advocates or Lab Patient Advocates. Teens are needed to serve in a variety of hospital functions. Adults, call Luella Kramer, (575) 7584782 or Judy Rebholtz, 751-1188; Teens call Lia Romero y Vigil, 779-1884.

HOSPICE VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION. Find out

if hospice is right for you at Mountain Home Health Office, 630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 180; for ages 18 and older. Taos’ professional hospice team serves hospice patients and their families throughout Taos County. As a volunteer you become part of the

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team and receive hours of training and support so you can offer comfort and companionship to people on their end-of-life journey alongside their their families. Contact Rose at (575) 758-4786 or email rgordon@taosnet.com. NOT FORGOTTEN OUTREACH seeks

volunteers to help during any of the upcoming programs and/or special events, contact Emily Sadow, 332 Kit Carson Road, (575) 7411135 or go online to notforgottenoutreach.org. READING TO END RACISM seeks individuals

to be trained as readers and mentors. For more information, see facebook. com/TaosRER or contact Daniel Escalante at (720) 987-8148. ROCKY MOUNTAIN YOUTH CORPS. In many ways

volunteers are the lifeblood of Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. Giving your time, skills and creativity can make an amazing difference in providing opportunities to the area’s youth. Throughout the year, RMYC has various opportunities for volunteers to give their time. From Service Day Events such as “River and Trail Clean-Up Day” and

“Make a Difference Day,” to basic office duties, many opportunities exist. If interested in volunteering, please fill out a volunteer application online at youthcorps.org and bring it to the RMYC office at 1203 King Drive #3, Taos. Call (575) 751-1420 for more information. STRAY HEARTS ANIMAL SHELTER OF TAOS seeks

homes for its fostering program. Through fostering, an animal can be kept for a longer period in the most natural and loving environment, a real home. This gives the animal a special chance at finding a new and loving permanent home. It is through the dedication and conscious care of fostering that allows the shelter to take on more animals than they would normally be able due to specific space restrictions. The shelter also needs dog walkers, grant writing, and helpers with cat socialization and fundraising events. Applications and procedure guidelines are available online at strayhearts.org or call (575) 758-2981.

TAOS FEEDS TAOS needs strong backs Dec. 12-18 to help sort donated food and to fill and distribute boxes. All activities will happen at the National Guard

Armory on the road to Country Club and UNM Klauer Campus, 1145 State Road 570 in Llano Quemado. See taosfeedstaos. org for the volunteer schedule or call (575) 7517999.

Regular co-op hours are Monday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 2-6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Call (575) 7583840.

TAOS LIVING CENTER.

community members to donate their time to tutor children, participate in computer classes, accompany field trips and sometimes just to be there to lend an ear. For more information, email taosyouth@taosgov.com or call (575) 758-4160.

Community members over age 21 are invited to play Scrabble, read to residents, polish fingernails, assist with art classes, Bingo, parties and occasionally foster a pet. Call (575) 758-2300, ext. 209. TAOS RETIREMENT VILLAGE MEDICAL CENTER is looking for

volunteers over the age of 21 to read, play board games, visit with our residents and assist with other activities. They will work with you and your schedule. Call Bonnie at (575) 758-8248 or stop by Taos Retirement Village, 414 Camino de la Placita. TAOS FOOD CO-OP.

Stocking, recycling, printing, cashiers and office work. Help serve Taos with low-cost, healthy foods. Taos Food Co-op, 314 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Suite E (next to Verizon).

TAOS YOUTH AND FAMILY CENTER is seeking

THE GIVING TREE at More Pieces needs volunteers to help with set up. Come by during store hours, Wednesday-Friday, 12:302:30 p.m. and ask for Christalyn Concha. COMMUNITY AGAINST VIOLENCE Angel Tree

holiday gift-giving event for families with children who are survivors of domestic and/or sexual abuse. Contact CAV at (575) 751-4824 or online at taoscav.org. Send listings to taosnews. com/calendar or email forum@taosnews.com. Katharine Egli

Sgt. 1st Class Eric Pacheco loads a box of food into a volunteer’s shopping cart during the 2014 Taos Feeds Taos drive at the Army National Guard Armory.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER and so is the Taos Art Museum!

Admission to garden, studio, and Museum Store is FREE. Taos residents FREE on Sunday. Nutcracker Market December 4-13, 2015 Fine crafts and artwork – perfect for the season of giving!

www.taosartmuseum.org

If Unique Is What You Seek...

Art Supplies • Craft Kits • Journals Educational Toys and Games Puzzles • Stocking Stuffers Christmas Cards and Much More!

Unicorn School Supply If Unique Is What You Seek...

575-758-4106

311 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos Monday-Friday 9-5 • Saturday 9-12

2015

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NIGHT FIRE ON THE MOUNTAINS A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SIGHT at area ski resorts for many years has been the torchlight parade, late evening events that light up the slopes as lines of skiers make a run down the mountains with only flares to light their way.

which is also true for Angel Fire and TSV.

Some resorts will also offer fireworks to light up the night on even a more grand scale. Taos Ski Valley (TSV), Red River Ski Area and Angel Fire Resort all feature torchlight parades during the holiday season.

Angel Fire holds torchlight parades on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, with an impressive fireworks display to put an exclamation point on the holiday season.

The Red River torchlight spectacle has been taking place for more than 30 years. The resort offers a torchlight parade every Saturday through the ski season, beginning at 7 p.m. and special torchlight parades on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The skiers are usually locals and employees of the resort,

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TSV, similarly, has held torchlight parades for more than three decades, with parades taking place Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and then again in March to celebrate founder Ernie Blake’s birthday.

If you have the opportunity to catch a torchlight parade, you’ll be glad you did. —Staff report

Courtesy Angel Fire Resort

Fireworks light up the winter night sky on New Year's Eve in Angel Fire.

2015

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HOLIDAYS COME TO LIGHT AT TWIRL A play and discovery space

MAGICAL LIGHT SPREADING ENCHANTMENT through the wintery darkness, is the inspiration behind Twirl Aglow, Twirl’s annual holiday celebration. The courtyard has been transformed into a captivating wonderland of winter magic and light, with bright and twinkling surprises around every corner plus a sparkling community tree with creative adornments made by Taos kids. The upstairs playspace is the perfect refuge from the cold, and children and families are invited to participate in light-themed crafts and activities.

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PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE A HEARTFELT GIFT TO BRING WARMTH TO THE PEOPLE THEY LOVE ON THE DARKEST DAYS OF WINTER. “Light has been a theme throughout our program calendar this year in recognition of the United Nation’s scientific and cultural organization nominating 2015 as the Year of Light (light2015. org),” says executive director Nikki Ross. ‘The

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holidays provide a great opportunity for further exploring light as a theme for creativity.” A host of activities are planned for the month of December, and both local and visiting families are encouraged to attend. On Dec. 5, the Taos High School Photography class will be taking family portraits upstairs at Twirl from 12-5 p.m. Families will be able to get a beautiful high-quality photograph for their family holiday card while supporting young Taos photographers. The initial shot can be downloaded for free. There is a charge for more. While they wait,

families can explore Twirl’s new Light Play table in the upstairs playroom. Twirl will celebrate the impending release of the newest “Star Wars” movie, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” with a “Star Craft” workshop on Dec. 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., during which children can make shining stars out of materials that explore the different principles of light. A holiday gift-making workshop with light as its focus will be held Dec. 19, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Participants will be able to make a heartfelt gift to bring warmth to the people they love on the darkest days of winter.

Then on Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 3-5 p.m., Twirl’s DIY Holiday Make-It Space will be set up in the playroom for kids to stop by and make gift tags, cards and more. And families can take the opportunity to try out some new toys and games. Adds Ross, “As a non-profit with a mission of providing play and learning opportunities, we seek out high-quality toys, games, art and craft supplies, science kits and

other products for our store that will further support children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development in the home.” Visitors are invited to explore the Twirl Aglow holiday display any time during store hours of 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Jan. 1. Twirl is located at 225 Camino de la Placita. For more information, call (575) 751-1402 or go online to twirltaos.org.

Clockwise from top: Children tell Santa what they want for Christmas at last year’s Twirl Aglow, photo by Katharine Egli; Twirl always gets decked out during the holidays, courtesy photo; Chief Elf Tatyana paints a snowman on 2-year-old Nicholas Martinez at last year’s Twirl Aglow; photo by Katharine Egli.

Locally Owned. . . Globally Unique 20 INDEPENDENTLY OWNED SHOPS All price ranges • Fun for the Family Something for Everyone

ANDERSON & ROE

John Dunn Shops

120-124 Bent Street • johndunnshops.com

JOYCE YANG

2015

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STAYING OUT OF THE KITCHEN

Let the chefs do the cooking over the holidays FOR SOME PEOPLE, THE THOUGHT of planning and cooking a holiday meal is daunting. Not to mention the aftermess in the kitchen. No worries — there are many options for holiday dining in Taos from casual to upscale. For a small town, the number and variety of fine-dining options are impressive. There are also many bar and grill-styled eateries. There is literally something to satisfy anyone’s holiday taste buds. Holiday hours for restaurants vary, so it’s wise to call ahead to ensure the establishment will be open and to make reservations if need be.

(575) 758-2121; alleycantina.com AMIZETTE INN AND RESTAURANT

1295 New Mexico 150, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-2451; amizetteinn.com

THE BLONDE BEAR TAVERN AT THE EDELWEISS

106 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley (575) 737-6900; blondebeartavern.com

THE BURGER STAND AT TAOS ALE HOUSE

DE LA TIERRA, EL MONTE SAGRADO

317 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 737-9855; elmontesagrado.com/dining

DOC MARTIN’S RESTAURANT, 401 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, THE TAOS INN

ESKE’S BREW PUB AND EATERY

THE HONDO RESTAURANT AT SNAKEDANCE 106 Des Georges Place, Taos CONDOMINIUMS

(575) 758-1517; eskesbrewpub.com

FARMHOUSE CAFE AND BAKERY

1405 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, El Prado ANGEL FIRED PIZZA Taos 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, (575) 758-5683; Mountain View Mall, (575) 758-5522; Taos farmhousecafeandbakery.com intersection of State taosburgersandbeer.com (575) 758-1977; THE GORGE BAR AND Highway 434 and North docmartinsrestaurant.com GRILL BYZANTIUM Angel Fire Road, 113 Camino de la Placita, EARLENE’S PUBLIC 103 East Plaza, Taos Angel Fire HOUSE CAFE Taos (575) 758-8866; (575) 377-2774; (575) 751-0805 1014 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, thegorgebarandgrill.com angelfiredpizza.com Taos CAFÉ LA CUEVA GUADALAJARA GRILL ANNIE’S COFFEE HOUSE (575) 758-2007 NORTH 135 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Angel Fire Resort Lobby Taos EL GAMAL 822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, (575) 377-4234; (575) 758-7001; 112 Doña Luz Street, Taos angelfireresort.com lacuevacafe.com Taos (575) 737-0816; THE BAVARIAN LODGE (575) 613-0311; guadalajaragrilltaos.com CAFFÉ RENATO AND RESTAURANT elgamaltaos.com GUADALAJARA GRILL 100 Kachina Road, Taos Ski 133 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, SOUTH Taos, (575) 758-0244 EL MEZE Valley 575 SPORTS & CO. 1017 Paseo del Pueblo 1384 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, (575) 776-8020; CASA DE VALDEZ 1109 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, thebavarian.com Norte, El Prado Taos 1401 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-3337; (575) 751-0063; Taos BEARCLAW BAKERY AND (575) 779-8486 elmeze.com guadalajaragrilltaos.com (575) 758-8777; CAFE ACEQ EL TAOSEÑO RESTAURANT GUTIZ 228 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, casadevaldezoftaos.com 480 State Road 150, Arroyo Taos AND LOUNGE 812B Paseo del Pueblo CHALUPP’S PIZZA Seco 819 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Norte, Taos (575) 758-1332 108 Siler Road, Taos (575) 776-0900; Taos (575) 758-1226; (575) 758-0090 BELLA’S MEXICAN GRILL aceqrestaurant.com (575) 758-4142; gutiztaos.com 122 Doña Luz St., Taos CHIANTI’S taoseno.com ADOBE BAR IN THE H2 UPTOWN (575) 751-3130; Angel Fire Resort HISTORIC TAOS INN ELEMENTS AT THE 48 N. Angel Fire Road, bellasmexicangrill.com (575) 377-4201; 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, COUNTRY CLUB Angel Fire angelfireresort.com BENT STREET CAFÉ Taos Angel Fire Resort (575) 377-1200; AND DELI (575) 758-2233; DARA THAI (575) 377-3055; facebook.com/h2uptown. taosinn.com/adobe_bar.html 120 Bent Street, Taos 210 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, angelfireresort.com angelfire.nm (575) 758-5787; Taos ALLEY CANTINA bentstreetdeli.com (575) 751-3277 121 Teresina Lane, Taos 52

taosnews.com/aglow

2015

110 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-1413

HOTEL ST. BERNARD

112 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-2251; stbernardtaos.com HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT

1023 Paseo del Pueblo, Taos (575) 751-0474; hunanstaos.com KYOTE CULINARY CLUB

330A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-3302; kyoteclub.com LA COCINA DE TAOS

1541 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4855; lacocinadetaos.com LAMBERT’S OF TAOS

123 Bent Street, Taos (575) 758-1009; lambertsoftaos.com LEGENDS GRILL

Angel Fire Resort (575) 377-4201; angelfireresort.com LOS VAQUEROS

1506 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2254; sagebrushinn.com

THE LOVE APPLE

803 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-0050; theloveapple.net

PURPLE SAGE CAFÉ

1379 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-0562; thepurplesagecafe.com

TAOS CHICHARRON BURRITOS

1328 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 613-6591

MARISCOS MAR Y TIERRA MEXICAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

RANCHO DE CHIMAYÓ

1574 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Ranchos de Taos (575) 751-4285

300 Santa Fe County Road 98, Chimayó (505) 984-2100; ranchodechimayo.com

MARTYRS STEAKHOUSE

RANCHOS PLAZA GRILL

8 Ranchos Plaza Road, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5788

216-B Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1989; taosdiner.com

RAW TO GO

TAOS MESA BREWING

RED DIAMOND GRILL AT TAOS MOUNTAIN CASINO

TAOS PIZZA OUTBACK

146 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-3020; martyrs-steakhouse.com MEDLEY

Mile Marker 1, State Road 150, El Prado (575) 776-8787; medleyinelprado.com MICHAEL’S KITCHEN

304 C N Pueblo Road, Taos (575) 758-4178; michaelskitchen.com MIDTOWN MARKET BISTRO AND LOUNGE

680 State Road 522, Arroyo Hondo (575) 776-1680 MONDO ITALIANO

622 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-1329; mondoitalianotaos.com MOSAIC FINE DINING IN THE HOTEL LA FONDA

108 South Plaza, Taos (575) 758-7498; mosaicfinedining.com

OH MY GARDEN! CAFE & MARKET

4153 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-7665; ohmygardencafe.com

OJO CALIENTE MINERAL SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

50 Los Banos Drive, Highway 414, Ojo Caliente (505) 583-2233; ojospa.com OLD MARTINA’S HALL

4140 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-3003; oldmartinashall.com

ORLANDO’S NEW MEXICO CAFÉ

1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos (575) 751-1450; orlandostaos.com PIZAÑOS

105-B Queznel, Taos (575) 613-0893 700 Veterans Highway, Taos Pueblo (575) 737-0777; taosmountaincasino.com RHODA’S RESTAURANT

116 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-2005; skitaos.org

RICKY’S RESTAURANT

312 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-1156 SABROSO RESTAURANT AND BAR

470 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco (575) 776-3333; sabrosotaos.com

SAGEBRUSH INN & SUITES

1508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2254; sagebrushinn.com SONG’S ASIAN RESTAURANT

703 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3256 STATION CAFÉ 3 ONE 6

316 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 737-0316; 3one6cafe.com STELLA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

112 Camino de la Placitas, Taos (575) 751-0100 SUGAR NYMPHS BISTRO

15046 State Highway 75, Peñasco (575) 587-0311; sugarnymphs.com THE SUMMIT HOUSE

23 State Road 150, Angel Fire Resort El Prado (575) 377-4371; (575) 776-1050; taospizza.com angelfireresort.com PIZZA SHACK

6 Thunderbird Road, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-8866; taosskivalleypizza.com

SUSHI A LA HATTORI

1405 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 737-5123

Ship Early & Save Money $$$

TAOS DINER I

908 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2374; taosdiner.com TOS DINER II

20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900; taosmesabrewing.com 712 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-3112; taospizzaoutback.com

TEXAS REDS STEAKHOUSE

400 E. Main Street, Red River (575) 754-2922; texasredssteakhouse.com THE TERRACE AT TAOS COUNTRY CLUB

54 Golf Course Road, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-7300; taoscountryclub.com TIM’S STRAY DOG CANTINA

105 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-2894; straydogtsv.com TIWA KITCHEN RESTAURANT AND BAKERY

328 Veterans Highway, Taos (entering Taos Pueblo) (575) 751-1020 TORIBIO’S MEXICAN KITCHEN

1638 Paseo del Pueblo Norte,Taos (575) 751-4431 1104 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3060 TRADING POST CAFÉ ITALIAN RESTAURANT

4179 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos (575) 759-5089; tradingpostcafe.com YU GARDEN

1033 J Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-7828 THE VILLAGE HAUS

Angel Fire Resort (575) 377-4242; angelfireresort.com

HAPPY EATING!

We Ship Anything, Anywhere!

Sick of lost packages & long lines at the Post Office? Have your packages shipped here! Last Days to Ship

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We pack and ship your Christmas gifts with care. Free Giftwrapping Station for Customers! HOLIDAY HOURS: M-SAT 9-6

Across from WalMart in Taos • 925 Paseo del Pueblo Sur

575-751-1313 9to5Taos.com 2015

taosnews.com/aglow

NUTCRACKER HOLIDAY ARTIST MARKET A Russian, Southwestern spirit THE UNMISTAKABLE NUTCRACKER with its bearded face, soldier-like adornments and big teeth has been a classic symbol of the holiday season for many centuries. According to German folklore, nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bestow good luck upon your kin and protect your home. The legend says that a nutcracker represents power and strength, and serves as a loyal watch dog protecting your family

taosnews.com/aglow

ACCORDING TO GERMAN FOLKLORE, NUTCRACKERS WERE GIVEN AS KEEPSAKES TO BESTOW GOOD LUCK UPON YOUR KIN AND PROTECT YOUR HOME. from evil spirits and peril while spawning goodwill. In celebration of the spirit of goodness during the holidays and the artwork the season inspires, the Taos Art Museum at

2015

Fechin House will host the 2nd Annual Nutcracker Holiday Artist Market, running from Friday, Dec. 4, through Sunday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

In the essence of the Russian and Southwestern craft traditions that enriched the creative works of Russian-American artist Nicolai Fechin, this year’s market will feature works in wood, tin, jewelry, pottery, photography, prints and fiber. Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to browse and purchase affordable, highquality, handmade gifts by local artists in the splendor of Nicolai Fechin’s Studio (Fechin’s home is included on the National Register of

Historic Places). The Nutcracker Holiday Artist Market will also offer free festive gift wrapping, raffle drawings for holiday merchandise, gift certificates from local restaurants, as well as free museum memberships. Shoppers will also discover additional holiday treasures in the Museum Store, where members can enjoy a 10 percent discount on purchases. Russian-born Fechin relocated to Taos with

his family in 1927. He is considered one of the most important portrait painters of the 20th Century. In addition to his portraits, his works of American Indians and of the New Mexico desert landscape are considered among his best pieces. The museum is located at 227 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. For additional information, call (575) 758-2690 ext. 101 or go online to taosartmuseum. org.

discovertaos.com

Happy Holidays PICURIS SMOKE SHOP LOCATED AT JUNCTION OF NM STATE ROADS 75 AND 76 IN PEÑASCO, NM.

(575)587-2374

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! WINTER HOURS MONDAY-SATURDAY 8AM-10PM SUNDAY 10AM-10PM Drop by for a visit and meet the friendly staff! Great selection of beer, wine and liquor. 2015

taosnews.com/aglow

CALENDAR OF EVENTS DECEMBER

DEC. 4

Holiday Make-It Space

The Eighth Annual Food Drive and Benefit show with local band Last to Know will be held 7 p.m., at Taos Mesa Brewing. Admission to the show is free with five cans of food or other non-perishable items. taosfeedstaos.org

Taos Feeds Taos Food Drive and Benefit

DEC. 3

Twirl’s DIY Holiday Make-It Space will be set up in the playroom, 3-5 p.m., for kids to stop by and make gift tags, cards and more. twirltaos.org

DEC. 4-13

Nutcracker Holiday Artist Market

DEC. 5

The 2nd annual Nutcracker Holiday Artist Market will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., each day at Fechin House. taosartmuseum.org

DEC. 4

Tree Lighting and Yuletide Parade

Join the town of Taos and Mayor Dan Barrone for the 29th annual event on Taos Plaza, 4-6 p.m., featuring local entertainment, farolitos, bonfires, complimentary hot chocolate and other snacks and goodies around the Plaza. Santa Claus will be handing out 300 Christmas stockings filled with treats. Mrs. Claus and the Grinch will also be on hand.

taosnews.com/aglow

The Lighting of Ledoux

One of the most beloved winter traditions in Taos, featuring hundreds of farolitos casting an elegant glow down the historic street in the town’s oldest art district from 5-7 p.m. Winter refreshments and joyful holiday entertainment abound as Taos celebrates with the festival of lights. A parade delivers Father Winter along Ledoux Street to The Harwood Museum of Art, where he will spend the rest of the evening hearing children’s holiday wishes in the museum’s Arthur Bell Auditorium. Festivities begin at 5:15 p.m. at Taos Plaza. Ledoux Street will be closed to vehicles at 3 p.m.

2015

DEC. 5

Family Portraits

The Taos High School photography class will be taking family portraits upstairs at Twirl from 12-5 p.m. The initial shot can be downloaded for free. There is a charge for more. twirltaos.org

DEC. 5

Taos Community Chorus Winter Concert

The Taos Community Chorus Holiday Concert Series features the music of the 18th Century composer Ignacio de Jerusalem, and Manuel De Sumaya and Antonio De Salazar. Concert begins at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Taos. taoschorus.org

DEC. 5

Taos Inn Tree Lighting

Join The Historic Taos Inn for its annual tree lighting event, from 6:30 to 7 p.m., featuring entertainers to be announced. taosinn.com

DEC. 5

Holiday Fiesta Community Day

A free event for families with activities all day at Millicent Rogers Museum, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission

is $10; $2 for children 2-16 years of age, 1504 Millicent Rogers Road, north of El Prado. millicentrogers.org

DEC. 6

Taos Community Chorus Winter Concert

DEC. 9

Peace Chanukah

Participants are encouraged to bring menorahs to this annual event at St. James Episcopal Church, 5:307 p.m. Speakers include those from various faiths, and guests are invited to join the choir for songs and prayer. taosjewishcenter.org

DEC. 10

Holiday Make-It Space

Twirl’s DIY Holiday Make-It Space will be set up in the playroom from 3-5 p.m., for kids to stop by and make gift tags, cards and more. twirltaos.org

DEC. 11

Taos Opera Guild Christmas Gala

Good food, drink and a warm Christmas celebration at the home of Bob and Suzanne Brock, 5-9 p.m., (505) 629-1410.

DEC. 12

‘Star Craft’ Workshop

Twirl will celebrate the impending release of the new movie “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” with a “Star Craft” workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Children can make shining stars out of materials that explore the different principles of light.

DEC. 12

Santa Paws

Come see your neighborhood pets decked out in their holiday best. Pets are invited to have their photo taken with Santa. Animals will also be available for adoption at the event. At the John Dunn Shops, from noon to 4 p.m. johndunnshops.com

DEC. 12

Bonfires on Bent Street

The Bent Street Merchants are joining with the John Dunn Shops to close Bent Street to all but foot traffic

for a spectacular holiday event. In the festive spirit, shops will offer specials, prizes, drawings, raffles, hors d’oeuvres, and a feast open to all. On Bent Street and John Dunn Way, from 4-7 p.m. johndunnshops.com

DEC. 12

Taos Community Chorus Winter Concert

DEC. 9

Taos Herb Biscochito Competition

Think you make a pretty mean biscochito? If so, enter your holiday cookies in the annual contest at Taos Herb Company. (Cookies must be brought to Taos Herb between 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Dec. 8.) Judging begins at 1:30 p.m. at Taos Herb. (575) 7581991.

DEC. 12-13 A Spanish Holiday

Taos Chamber Music Group presents “A Spanish Holiday,” music for flute, violin, cello and piano by Spanish composers rings in the holiday season with works by Enrique Granados, Joaquin Turina, Gaspar Cassado, Frederico Moreno Torroba and Antonio Rodil. There will also be a surprise guest appearance by some of Taos’ homegrown talent — performing chamber music New Mexico-style —featuring Robert Tweten, piano; LP How, violin; Sally Guenther, cello; and Nancy Laupheimer, flute. 5-6:30 p.m. at The Harwood Museum of Art. $18-$25. (575) 770-1167.

DEC. 12-13 Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is offering free train rides to help end hunger and brighten the holidays for kids in Northern New Mexico. In exchange for a non-perishable food donation or small toy for each adult rider, a family can take a free roundtrip ride from Chama to the Lobato trestle and back. Santa and his elves will be serving hot chocolate and snacks. Trains depart at 9 a.m. with the last one leaving at 3 p.m. each day, depending on reservations.

To make a reservation for either day, go online to cumbrestoltec.com/ christmas and click on the Christmas Train link or call the Chama Depot at 888286-2737.

DEC. 13

Taos Community Chorus Winter Concert

DEC. 15-16

“A Christmas Story”

Taos Onstage presents the beloved holiday tale featuring Ralphie and his Christmas wish for a Red Ryder BB gun. This radio play (curtain at 7 p.m.) adapted by Phillip Grecianis presented along with a buffet holiday dinner (6 p.m.) at Taos Mesa Brewery. Reservations are required by going online to taosonstage.com or call (575) 224-4587.

DEC. 17

Holiday Make-It Space

Twirl’s DIY Holiday Make-It Space will be set up in the playorrom from 3-5 p.m., for kids to stop by and make gift tags, cards and more. twirltaos.org

DEC. 18-19

Alumbra de Questa

Annual European-style weekend Christmas market from 12-8 p.m., at the Questa Visitor Center parking lot on State Highway 38. The market features crafts and traditional food. Storytelling, Santa, activities for the kids, caroling and more. Thousand of lights will line the event at night. questa-nm.com

DEC. 19

Los Pastores

Old Hispanic morality musical will be presented in Taos, 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Free admission.

DEC. 19

Met Live in HD “The Magic Flute” Mozart Holiday Encore

Taos Center for the Arts; and Taos Community Auditorium present Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magi Flute,” in the groundbreaking broadcast that launched the Met’s award-winning Live in HD series to movie theaters in 2006. Show starts at 11 a.m. at the Taos Community Auditorium. Tickets $25 general admission, $20 TCA members, $10 youth 17 and under. tcataos.org.

DEC. 19

Holiday Make-It Space

Twirl will host a holiday gift-

making workshop with light as its focus from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. twirltaos.org.

DEC. 24

DEC. 31

DEC. 20

Mass procession followed by Matachines Dances at Picuris Pueblo. picurispueblo.org

Music by Gary Farmer and the Troublemakers. The Historic Taos Inn, 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos. (877) 807-6427.

DEC. 25

DEC. 31

Taos Community Chorus Messiah Sing-Along

The community is invited to join the chorus in a performance of “Handel’s Messiah” in the annual singalong to be held 3 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 208 Camino de Santiago. Singers should bring their own scores, or borrow one at the door. Admission is free with a $10 suggested donation. See facebook. com/TaosCommunityChorus or taoschorus.org for more information.

DEC. 24

Sipapu Annual Christmas Eve Party

Join the yearly tradition, complete with festive music, fires, an art project for kids, and food and drink. In the lodge at Sipapu Ski Resort, from 5-8 p.m., in the lodge. The event is free and open to the public. sipapunm.com

DEC. 24

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parades

Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort and Red River Ski Area all host torchlight parades on Christmas Eve, with skiers coming down the mountains with flares as their only sources of lights. skitaos.org; angelfireresort. com; and redriverskiarea.com

Sundown Torchlight of the Virgin Vespers

New Year’s Eve Party

Christmas Luminaria Tour This Christmas, come ski or snowshoe under the glow from luminarias, or farolitos, lining the trails. At Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area, at 6:30 p.m. (575) 754-6112, enchantedforestxc.com

Pizza, music, and games will be featured at this kid-friendly celebration. A countdown ball will drop at midnight Eastern time (10 p.m. in New Mexico). At the Red River Community House, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. www.redriver.org

DEC. 25

Matachines or Deer Dances

JANUARY

Matachines or Deer Dances at Taos Pueblo, taospueblo. com and Picuris Pueblo picurispueblo.org.

JAN. 1

Turtle Dance

DEC. 28

A Taos Pueblo celebration to welcome the new year (tentatively at dawn). taospueblo.com

Holy Innocents Day

Holy Innocents Day, Children’s Dance at Picuris Pueblo. picurispueblo.org

JAN. 1

DEC. 31

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parades and Fireworks

Old Fashioned New Year’s Eve Party

Transfer of Canes

Transfer of Canes to new officials at Picuris Pueblo. picurispueblo.org

Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire and Red River Ski Area all host torchlight parades and fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve, with skiers coming down the mountains with flares as their only sources of lights. skitaos. org; angelfireresort.com; and redriverskiarea.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2015

taosnews.com/aglow

Anyone can be SantaClaus By Scott Gerdes

he year was 1968, Christmas morning. I had awoken with the sun and in my haste nearly tripped down the stairs to get to the larger-than-life blinking, bedazzling Christmas tree to breath in the bounty underneath. My 6-year-old imagination envisioned a pile of Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars, and a new basketball. As I leaped from the last step, I reminded myself to smile and say “thank you” even if I got an ugly sweater or stupid socks, because Santa knew what I wished for and he always left the right package.

And that crafty Santa, he had been in my house. The traditional plate of cookies and milk had once again been disturbed. But for the first time, Santa left a note. I reached for the piece of paper, nearly shaking with excitement. Maybe I didn’t get to actually see the real Santa placing gifts around our tree — I was certain the Santas in the department stores, on street corners and outside grocery stores were just his helpers — but look at this, he stopped to write

taosnews.com/aglow

2015

something just for me. I brushed off a few cookie crumbs from the note and began to read: “My dear Scotty, I loved the cookies and milk. Merry Christmas, Santa.” I gushed and pumped my fist in joy. It was short, but sweet. It was a keeper. Then I read it again and noticed more than what the words said; I saw how the words looked. The giant loops and exaggerated cursive looked all too familiar. My mom had written the note. My gush turned to mush. It was then and there that my imagination land had lost not just one character, but three. So Santa didn’t exist. By other left notes, that meant the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny were made up, too. How could I possibly continue Christmas with any merriment? There was no one to complain to because the facts were in my hands. There were no words to console me either. Why did grown-ups have us kids believe that stuff anyway? If it’s all a lie, what’s the point? So I thought. I kept my discovery to myself and figured

there was a silver lining — I didn’t have to worry about the “Naughty or Nice” list anymore. One man in a sleigh pulled by reindeer dispersing gifts to only wellbehaved children all around the world in one night, I pondered, did seem too incredible to be true anyway. And as for that big body sliding down a chimney? No way. Still, the truth hurt. The magic was gone. So I thought. Later in the morning, my dad asked me if I wanted to go on a mission with him. I always said “yes,” even without details. So he grabbed a bulging bag from the garage and placed it in the trunk of the car. I strap myself in and asked, “Where are we going?” He said, “Last week a family on the other side of town lost all of their gifts in a fire. That bag in the trunk will make sure they still have a great Christmas.” My dad had gone out and bought clothes and toys for a family of four that we didn’t even know. We pulled up about a half block away from where the family was staying. As we took the bag out

I brushed off a few cookie crumbs from the note and began to read: ‘My dear Scotty, I loved the cookies and milk. Merry Christmas, Santa.’ of the trunk, my dad put his index finger up to his lips. This was a stealth mission. He put the bag down on the doorstep and told me as soon as he gets to the sidewalk, I need to ring the doorbell and run away as fast as I can. So I did. We were back in the car by the time someone opened the front door. We watched the woman look at the bag, then look to her left and then right, and then look at the bag again. She read the card my dad stuck to it that said, “From Santa.” We watched her peek into it and smile. Then she looked up to the sky and clasped her hands together. After that I was OK with there not being a real Saint Nick, because that Christmas I learned that anyone can be Santa Claus.

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