Winter Wonderland

Santa Fe never impressed an image of Christmas cheer and holiday affairs until a visit to the Palace of the Governors Friday night changed my perspective. Lighting however takes a different form with bonfires and luminaries, candles in sand weighted paper bags.

At 5:00pm, the night festivities began with drumming in the portal where families gathered to listen while awaiting the Palace’s opening. Then Santa came, the chatty crowd shuffling in after him, and I tried to sift into the mix. Filling the courtyard, kids and parents enjoyed the caroling while waiting for a spot with Santa. Though young at heart, I forfeited this opportunity for a hot cider and warmth from one of the bonfires. A retired transportation lawyer and security guard joined my efforts, commenting on the pleasant Santa Fe and joyful nature of the festivities. After acquiring a smoky smell and sore eyes from the smoke, my attention turned toward the exhibitions inside, where wonderings saw violinists and guitarists amongst the historical artifacts and written depictions.

With other museums open free Friday night until eight, the conquest continued. The Georgia O’Keefe Museum houses an impressive amount of her work in addition to photographs and movies that contextualize her development as an artist. Though aware of her relationship with Stieglitz and their contributions to modern art, other accounts of their lives usually glaze over the impact they had on each other. As a graduate from an art school with a 70/30 girls to guys ratio, it’s difficult to realize the reaction O’Keefe received as a young painter- if men can do it well, why join the field? Appreciatively, current perceptions differ.  

With all the festivities and action, the cookies at the New Mexico Museum of Art’s entrance appeared free of charge, until I picked one up, met with a remark, “may I help you?” which politely suggests a step in the wrong direction. Quickly realizing this, two quarters paid for the treat, which I munched on while listening to the children’s orchestra. Disregarding my adult sensibilities commonly occurs during the holidays, as childhood memories twinkle over current activities. Blame the music, the smells, and even the corporations. Maybe a talk with Santa would have been a good idea.