MERRY CHRISTMAS

The word "Christmas" means "Mass of Christ," later shortened to "Christ-Mass."  The even shorter form "Xmas" - first used in Europe in the 1500s - is derived from the Greek alphabet, in which X is the first letter of Christ's name: Xristos, therefore "X-Mass."

Today we know that Christ was not born on the 25th of December.  The date was chosen to coincide with the pagan Roman celebrations honoring Saturnus (the harvest god) and Mithras (the ancient god of light), a form of sun worship.  These celebrations came on, or just after, the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, to announce that winter is not forever, that life continues, and an invitation to stay in good spirit.

The figure of Father Christmas (Santa Claus) is based on Saint Nicholas, who became one of the youngest bishops ever at age 17.  At age 30, he became the Bishop of Myra, a port town on the Mediterranean Sea, that is part of modern-day Turkey.  He hailed from a rich home and became well known for supporting the needy.  He would often be seen, clad in red and white bishop's robes and riding on a donkey, handing out gifts to children.

During the Middle Ages, many churches were built in honor of Saint Nicholas.  In the 11th century, his remains were enshrined in a church in the Italian city of Bari.  It is told that the first Crusaders visited Bari and carried stories about Nicholas to their homelands.  The anniversary of his death, 6 December, became a day to exchange gifts.

During the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, Martin Luther tried to stop the venerating of saints and the feast of Saint Nicholas was abolished in some European countries.  The gift giver took on other names: in Germany, he became Der Weinachtsmann ("Christmas Man"), Père Noël in France, Father Christmas in Britain and the colonies, and many other names.
 

SANTA CLAUS IN NEW YORK

The Dutch, under Peter Stuyvesant, founded New York - named New Amsterdam under the Dutch and renamed when the British took over the colony - and brought with them the celebrations of Sinterklaas, the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas.  Santa Claus is the American pronunciation of Sinter Klaas.

As early as 1773 "St. A. Claus" was mentioned in the American press.  In 1809, Washington Irving (the author of "Tales from Sleepy Hollow") wrote about Sinterklaas in his "A History of New York."  Irving described Sinterklaas as a rotund little man in a typical Dutch costume, with knee breeches and a broad-brimmed hat, who traveled on horseback on the Eve of Saint Nicholas.  In 1822, Clement Clark Moore, a poet and professor of theology, published the poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" (also known as "The Night Before Christmas").  Moore's Santa is a jolly old elf who flies around in a miniature sleigh with eight tiny reindeer.  Moore even named the reindeer by the names we know them today, and the method by which Santa returns up the chimney.

Thomas Nast, the illustrator and caricaturist who created the donkey and elephant images to depict the US Democratic and Republican parties, contributed his own vision of Santa for Harper's Weekly magazine from 1860 until the late 1880s.  Nast depicted Santa in a red, fur-trimmed suit and a wide leather belt.  Each year he added more details to his version of the Santa legend, including the home-workshop at the North Pole and the Naughty & Nice list.

In 1885, Nast sketched two children looking at a map of the world and tracing Santa's journey from the North Pole to the United States.  The following year, the American writer, George P. Webster, took up this idea, explaining that Santa's toy factory and "his house, during the long summer months, was hidden in the ice and snow of the North Pole."

In 1931, Haddon Sundblom presented Santa as a plump human rather than an elf, with a jovial face and big beard in a Coca-Cola advertisement. (Coca-Cola was a client of Sundblom's advertising agency from 1924 to until his death in 1976.) Today, it is Sundblom's Santa that slips down chimneys around the world.
 

DID YOU KNOW?

The first reference of a fir tree decorated for Christmas is at Riga in Latvia in 1510.  In 1521, the Princess Helene de Mecklembourg introduced the Christmas tree to Paris after marrying the Duke of Orleans.  There also is a printed reference to Christmas trees in Germany, dated 1531.  Another famous reference, to 1601, is about a visitor to Strasbourg, Germany (now part of France) who noticed a family decorating a tree with "wafers and golden sugar-twists (barley sugar) and paper flowers of all colors."

The Christmas tree was introduced to the United States by German settlers and by Hessian mercenaries paid to fight in the Revolutionary War.  In 1804, US soldiers stationed at Fort Dearborn (Chicago) hauled trees from surrounding woods to their barracks.

Britain was introduced to the Christmas tree in 1841, when Queen Victoria's German husband, Prince Albert brought a Christmas tree to Windsor Castle for the Royal family.  The custom of the Christmas tree spread quickly to the middle class, to working people, and throughout the colonies (where the Empire's flag would sometimes top the tree).
 

CHRISTMAS IN MEXICO

            The first thing to know about celebrating Christmas in Mexico is that most everybody takes off the last two weeks in December - to party, spend more time with the family, visit with old friends, even make new friends.  One of the biggest fiestas of the year - in small towns, big cities, the beach resorts, everywhere - Christmas in Mexico is celebrated in a variety of ways.  A common denominator is the posada, a recreation of Mary (on donkey) and Joseph searching for a "room at the inn."  In villages and urban neighborhoods throughout Mexico youngsters gather each afternoon to reenact the holy family's quest for lodging in Bethlehem.  The procession is headed by a diminutive Virgen Maria, often perched on a live burro, led by a equally tiny San Jose.  They are followed by other children portraying angels, the Santos Reyes (Three Kings), and a host of pastores y pastoras (shepherds and shepherdesses), all usually decked out in colorful handmade costumes and carrying brightly decorated baculos (walking staffs) or faroles (paper lanterns).

The parade of Santos Peregrinos (Holy Pilgrims) stops at a designated house to sing a traditional litany by which the Holy Family requests shelter for the night and those waiting behind the closed door turn them away.  They proceed to a second home where the scene is repeated.  At the third stop the pilgrims are told that while there is no room in the posada (inn), they are welcome to take refuge in the stable.  The doors are flung open and all are invited to enter.

The procession, which takes place during the 12 days before Christmas, moves along, growing in numbers until it reaches the church, where mass is held.  After the service, the children get to enjoy a festive piñata party.  You can expect to find some regional differences, which makes a Mexican Christmas not only a cross cultural mix, but a varied and interesting experience, year after year, region to region.

In the town of Cajititlan (near Guadalajara), as in many other places in the Hispanic world, they celebrate the holidays on Three Kings Day (Epiphany), which falls on January 6th.  In fact, this was the traditional time to celebrate the gift-giving aspect of Christmas throughout Mexico, but in most parts of the country, the holiday now coincides with the day of celebration north-of-the-border, December 25.  Many children now expect gifts on both days.

The ritual often begins in the afternoon or at dinner time when the family shares a rosca or two (a rosca is a sweet, ring-shaped loaf with a ceramic muñeca (doll) representing the Christ child baked inside).  Unlike a cracker-jack box where the winner takes all, whoever is unlucky enough to get the doll has to throw a party on February 2 (Dia de Candelaria) for all the others present.  In this case, the "winner", who has to foot the time and expense, is often the loser.  Typically, on the afternoon of Día de Candelaria, dancers gather for a performance in the churchyard.  Sometimes as many as six different dance groups perform at the same time.  The dancers are divided among those portraying Christians and Moors, each competing for the most attention.  Other groups are represented as well.  In small towns where this festival is held, there's also a special market on that day.  The party itself usually includes some favorite dish spiced with a zesty regional mole sauce.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

There have been numerous "comings and goings" since the last issue, but there are three of significance for the Akumal community.

Francys, Chris and Butch have left Akumal again.  Yes, it is true that they have returned to their cottage with the white picket fence in Gavelston, Texas.  They have some 15 acres about 60 miles outside of Gavelston, and they plan to clear the land and build another house there.  They still have their house in Akumal.

Before they - at least Francys and Bob - left, there was one more Sunday at Casa Cenote, where everybody gathered to hear their parting words.

Janet Bouton returned to Akumal with Marshall, her new-old flame, whom she plans to marry in June 2004.  Marshall was here only for a couple of days, but Janet took the opportunity offered by Francys' last Sunday lunch at Casa Cenote to introduce him around to a large contingent of Akumalians. 

Bud and Alice have purchase Dick Blanchard's Casa Zama in North Akumal, and they plan to return to Akumal around January 15, 2004.

On a "Can you top this?" note, Steve and Ingrid Clouther returned to Akumal on Saturday, December 13, and they were the ONLY TWO PASSENGERS, along with a crew of 7, on the Airbus 319 flying direct from Boston to Cancun.
 

LAPTOP SECURITY

            It’s not a 100% deterrent, but it does make it a little more difficult for a thief to walk off with a lap top computer during a robbery.  Laptop Security Kit - costs about $30.  http://www.computersecurity.com  Available in Cancun at Office Max, Home Office, and maybe Sears.  Rental Villas should have one for their guests. 

Laptop Cable Kit:

• Prevents laptop theft by securing your laptop or notebook to your desk
• Simple systems for quick and easy installation
• Portable - goes with you wherever you take your laptop or notebook
• Economically priced

Most notebooks today have a security slot that can deter theft from continuing.  Usually found on the back left, or back right side of the notebook, the security slot allows a notebook security device to attach and lock onto the computer case.  This kit utilizes that security slot in your laptop computer.  It is a one-piece unit to attach your laptop to a desk or other stationery object to prevent theft.  It locks all laptops utilizing the built-in security slot, including the new iBook and the PowerBook.
 

DO YOU KNOW?

            On December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Wright Flyer became the first powered, heavier-than-air machine to achieve controlled, sustained flight with a pilot aboard.  Wednesday, December 17, 2003 marks the 100th Anniversary of this historic and groundbreaking achievement, so be sure and get out and have a "High-Flyer."
 

HANUKKAH

The joyful Hanukkah celebration of the Jewish people occurs in December, usually at the same time as the Christmas season.  Traditionally, it commemorates the rededication of the Temple at Jerusalem.  Hanukkah was first celebrated over 2,000 years ago after the Jews, under the leadership of Judah the Maccabee (the Hammer), recaptured the Temple from the Syrians.  Because the Syrians had occupied and defiled the Temple, it had to be ritually cleansed.  Also, the Jews needed to find oil for the sacred lamp.  According to legend, the Jews found only one jug of oil which was enough for the lamp to burn just one night, but it burned in the lamp for eight days and nights.  These eight days and nights became the Hanukkah festival, which Jewish people have celebrated ever since in many lands and under many different circumstances.

The story also says that when the victorious Jews first entered the Temple, they found eight iron spurs abandoned by the Syrians in their flight.  On these Spurs the Jews stuck eight candles, and the light was the origin of the special menorah (candlestick) which burns during the festival.

Hanukkah has usually been celebrated more in the home than in the synagogue.  On each night of Hanukkah, the family gathers around the menorah and lights and blesses the festive candle-- one on the first night, two the second, and so on, until in the final evening all eight are burning.  They exchange gifts, play dreidel games, eat latkes, and retell the story of the victory of the Maccabees and the little jug of oil that burned for eight days.
 

MEXICAN DRIVER'S LICENSE

            You now can obtain a valid Mexican driver's license very quickly and inexpensively in Playa del Carmen, according to Dennis Mahan.  Dennis says, "From Akumal, go north to Constituyentes and turn right at the traffic lights.  Go to the traffic lights at 30th (no more rotary), and turn left (north on 30th) (if you turn right San Francisco de Assis will be up one block on your left).  Go about 6 blocks, to the traffic lights and rotary, and on the far right corner is a small building with a white sign on the front above the entrance that says something like "Modulo Licentias".  Directly across the street is a large "ASSIS" store."

            You need a copy of your Passport, FM2 or FM3, a receipt of something like your electric or phone bill, your old drivers license just to show them you have one (they do not take this one away from you), and you need to know your blood type.  There is a copy machine in the Papelaria about 4 doors down.

            Dennis continues, "Go inside to the first desk.  You pay the girl at the next desk 370 pesos, and then you go in the next room and a "doctor" gives you an eye test, where you read a chart just like in the states.  Then some nasty young man takes your picture, and in about 5 minutes you have a new very beautiful Mexican driver’s license with your photo and thumb print.  It was a great experience.  In and out in about 15 minutes.  This driver’s license can be used in the states, because the USA accepts any drivers license from a country that has a Roman alphabet like ours."

            EDITOR’S NOTE: As you know, there is no single USA driver's license, like there might be a Mexican or German license, because each and every one of the 'united' states has very different motor vehicle and driver license requirements.
 

DID YOU KNOW?

            Today, there are more than 2 700 different languages spoken in the world, with more than 7 000 dialects.  In Indonesia alone, 365 different languages are spoken.  More than 1,000 different languages are spoken in Africa.  The most difficult language to learn is Basque, spoken in north-western Spain and south-western France.  It is not related to any other language.  Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world, followed by English, but as a home language, Spanish is the second most spoken in the world.

At least 2,000 languages, spoken by a total of more than 300 million people, still lack a written form.
 

CEA/CUIA

This is an excerpt from a December 16, 2003 Press Release from the Board of Directors of CUIA (Centro Ukana I Akumal, A.C.) as it relates to the following story.

            CUIA is the owner and manager of the property, which includes CEA.  CUIA derives revenue from renting space to the following tenants: The Las Casitas Office, The Yoga Studio, El Cueva del Pescador, The Bakery, the Boutique of Sra. Ortiz, Arturo’s Antique shop, The Akumal Dive Shop, Claudia Munoz's shop, TSA, The Internet Connection, Peak Gym, the Art Gallery and everything on the cancha including Ruben's store and all the dormitory rooms.  CEA, the environmental organization, does not pay rent.

            There has been a growing parking problem around the area inside the arch,  especially during the high season and holidays when it becomes a logjam of vehicles, many of whose owners aren’t doing business with any of the CUIA tenants.  Therefore, in the interest of its tenants, their customers, and the community at large, CUIA has undertaken a project - THE AKUMAL "BIG DIG" - to improve the entryway into Akumal centro.

The Objectives of this project are:

 In order to meet the objectives listed above, CUIA feels it necessary and appropriate to begin to charge for parking on the CUIA property.  Beginning January 15, 2004 the following parking policy for CUIA property will go into effect: 

• Vehicles parking on CUIA property inside the arch will be charged at a rate of 20 pesos per hour (or any portion of an hour).
• CUIA tenants will have the option to validate parking for their customers.
• There will be annual permits made available to local residents.  The details, including the cost of an annual permit, will be announced prior to January 15th. 

 There will be free parking available in the parking lot outside the arch.

The CUIA BOD says, "We feel that the improvement to the entrance and the new policy regarding parking are in the best interest of our organization, our tenants, and the Akumal community.  We ask for your cooperation during this transition."
 

AKUMAL’S "BIG DIG"

            This "boulevard" has street lamps with beveled glass and 20 watt bulbs, and they are powered by photo cells to turn them ON and OFF.  To date, no street sign with Mahan Blvd. has been erected, but who knows what is yet to come.  Dennis is now cruising the Caribbean, heading towards Panama, in search for such a sign.

            Sr. Mahan says, "The street lamp posts are made out of heavy duty series 40 PVC hydraulic pipe with steel pipe inside and then concrete poured inside.  This is to make it difficult for the local vandals to tear them down.  The posts have been painted a metallic brown/black to match the beautiful lamps."

                        This project is complete, and the Grand Opening was 'scheduled' for December 15.  The available parking area around the stage/Gym area is smaller, and there are discussions within CEA about the Parking Fee structure.

PROPERTY TAXES ARE DUE

            This may be a bit on the late side for many home-owners, but the property taxes are due this month in Playa Del Carmen, and of special interest is the 20 percent discount that is provided on bills paid by Saturday, December 20, 2003.
 

HOLIDAY RESTAURANT COVERAGE

La Buena Vida

            Jaime says, "At Christmas and New Years, La Buena Vida gets pretty busy both day and night.   Reservations are recommended at night unless you arrive before 6:30pm.  We have some great new dishes on both the lunch and dinner menus." 

Jaime continues, "As like every year, La Buena Vida will have its New Years Eve party, with fireworks, bon fires, champagne, dancing, and lots more.  If you haven't checked it out, you should, it is a lot of fun, and it's suggested to get there before 9pm to get a table." 

 Casa Cenote

Gary will be doing a Mexican food Christmas Eve buffet, as well as Christmas Day dinner of lobster and filet mignon.  On New Year's Eve, there will be a dinner, and on New Year's Day there will be a Mimosa and Bloody Mary brunch.  Gary says, "I don't have exact prices right now, but I'm sure it will be worth it."

 Lucy’s Kitchen

            Lucy's Kitchen is opening for gourmet homemade ice cream to go.  Flavors will vary, but include pistachio, vanilla gelato, double chocolate, butter pecan, key lime, coconut ginger, cappuccino, chunky ginger, mango and mango sorbet (in season).

Lucy says, "The cones will be homemade waffle cones and service is to go, although people can eat the ice creams under the umbrellas outside if they wish.  More news is coming as the season progresses, but I am starting just with these."

 Que Onda

            Maribel and Indu report "The menu at Que Onda is always the same, and we are trying to improve a little every year.  The current menu has few new dishes like Fried Mozzarella, a delicious Lobster Salad, and some Crab Croquettes as appetizers.  You should try these."  Que Onda is open for breakfast - just for hotel guests - but lunch (1 pm – 4 pm) and dinner (5 pm - 10 pm) for every body.

 La Cueva Pescador

            Carlos says, "The restaurant will be open every day throughout the Holidays for business as usual.  We opens at 11 am for lunch and remain open until closing, which is usually when the all the diners who are coming seem to be aboard, which can be around 9 or 10pm, and later, if it a particularly busy night.  The restaurant will probably be open ‘til midnight on December 31^st, if there are guests wanting to stay to welcome in the New Year."

 La Lunita

            Annette reports, "La Lunita will be open for dinner on Dec. 24 and 25, as well as Sunday Dec. 28.  We also open on Dec. 31 with an extended schedule (until 1:30 am approx.) and on Jan. 1, 2004."

Lol-Ha

Lol-Ha is the only restaurant to report with special menus for Christmas and New Year's Eve. 

  The New Year's celebration costs $69 US per person, including tip and tax ($29 for children under 12), and a deposit of $10 US is required per adult to reserve a table.  There are seatings at 6:30 and 9:00pm.   Included in the celebration is a Flamenco Dinner Show, followed by a DJ for dancing and Party Favors.  Here is the Lol-Ha menu for New Year’s Eve.
 

WINTER SOLTICE

            Solstice means "standing - still - sun."  Winter solstice is when, because of the earth's tilt, your hemisphere is leaning farthest away from the sun, and therefore: the daylight is the shortest, and the sun has its lowest arc in the sky.

This year the winter solstice takes place on December 21st in the Northern hemisphere.  This means that on the winter solstice the sun rises the latest and sets the earliest.  The sun hangs low and weak in the sky during brief daylight hours, and daytime shadows are the longest.  Because the daylight hours are the year's shortest, the winter solstice is also the time of the longest night.

Diane Mahan's birthday is on the winter solstice, and she has the advantage of this longest night as she cruises away from Limon, Costa Rica toward Grand Cayman.

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