12/14/2025
’Twas the Night Before Christmas, in New Mexico’s glow,�
Where farolitos flickered all in a row.
�The kitchens were humming with holiday care,�
Aromas of red chile danced through the air.
The tamales were wrapped, snug in their corn beds,
�While visions of biscochitos twirled in kids’ heads.�
Posole simmered softly, so hearty and bright,�
A promise of comfort on this cold winter night.
Outside, luminarias cast a warm, golden light,
�Guiding neighbors and family through the crisp night.�
And down the street corner, with joy shining clear,�
Came mariachis singing canciones of cheer.
Then out in the plaza there rose such a clatter,�
We ran past the horno to see what was the matter.�
When what to our wondering eyes should appear,�
But a chile-red sleigh and eight bighorn reindeer!
With a driver so jolly, boots dusted with snow,�
It was San Nicolás—¡hola, vámonos!�
More rapid than roadrunners his reindeer they came,�
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
“Now, Cerrito! Now, Santo! Now, Río and Mesa!�
On, Zia! On, Luna! On, Sol and Estrella!�
To the top of the casa, to the open ventana—�
Let’s bring New Mexico flavor to every persona!”
He went straight to the kitchen, where good things begin,
�Admiring the harvest our farmers bring in:�
Chile ristras, golden honey, roasted piñon,�
Blue corn, enchiladas, Delicious, ¡Simón!
He spoke not a word, but his smile said it all—�
That supporting local lifts everyone tall.
�He filled stockings with goodies from producers we know,
�From growers, and makers who help our state grow.
Then tipping his hat as he turned to depart,�
He gave a soft “Gracias,” straight from the heart.�
And we heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight,
“Eat local, New Mexico—¡Feliz Navidad to all, and to all a good night!”
