Barnwood and Tulips: Christmas in Cancun- the sights and sounds of Mexico

Christmas in Cancun

Christmas memories tickle all of the senses. Our Christmas in Mexico on the Yucatan peninsula filled our memory boxes to overflowing as we relished in the sights, sounds, tastes, and textures of this vibrant culture. The colors were rich, the food salivating, and the people warm and inviting. We dipped our toes in the white sand and felt the pull of the tide on our piggies. Emma and Maleck chased the waves jumping in harmony. As their mother, this symphony delighted my senses. They even gave a go at their version of "boogie boarding" until in Maleck's words they "wiped out." Madsen, Stockton, and Seleck played with Travis in the clear blue ocean as the waves rocked them back and forth.

Our children bartered in pesos with the locals for souvenirs until they got the best price. Maleck came home with a carved jaguar head, and Madsen a hand carved full bodied one. We ate at taco trucks and fine restaurants. We tried mango and Mexican hot chocolate. Maleck asked, "why does the food in Mexico have to be Mexican?" He then announced that the Mexican pineapple was the best.

We took pictures of the missionaries and thought of our own family missionaries serving at home and abroad. We walked the streets of Playa Del Carmen late at night... I am sure our mothers would not have approved of us taking their Grandchildren there.

We sipped sodas from straws dreaming of ice. Aren't we spoiled Americans?

We were serenaded by the locals' rendition of "Feliz Navidad. On Christmas night, we walked the shoreline of our resort as the stars cast an everlasting shadow on our memories. The moonlight led us as we gazed in awe at the fish with their glow in the dark blue eyes.

The Mexican architecture of grass thatched roofs lined the streets of 5th avenue.

Driving in Mexico is somewhat of an art form... fast! Bicycles came in all shapes, sizes and colors. My feet begged to ride one.

Seleck's artist eyes were fascinated by clouds. Which he said, "We don't have these at home." I think he is right. We enjoyed each sunset and dreaded it as it marked a passing of a day.

Clearly Maleck did not enjoy the posing for pictures...

We loved it when we found this huge Christmas tree near 5th avenue... to bad Maleck didn't.

Years from now, It is doubtful that they will remember what gifts Santa brought them from Christmas past... but most likely when they feel the ocean breeze or hear the music of its waves, or even think of pineapple- they will remember our Christmas in Cancun....