Now we see that it's Christmas time at the temple!
For almost two weeks we watched the "nacimiento" being constructed on the northeast side of the temple. First, the strong framework of wood poles was erected and lighting was put in place. Two men worked for almost two days to trim palm leaves from Ticul to cover the roof.
Next, the figures that had been stored since last Christmas were cleaned and arranged on more palm leaves and straw.

Two bales of "hay" used in the area for Christmas decorations were added for realism.

The temple entrance is decorated with red and white poinsettias that are blooming nicely in the sunny winter weather that is only about 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit and much less humid than in the summer.

Christmas lights decorate the main streets and there are huge Christmas trees and other winter theme decorations in the principal "glorietas" or round-abouts. Since the 16th of September the stores have displayed signs that shoppers can lay-away their Christmas presents and the supermarkets are full of displays for Christmas foods and drinks.

We were part of the worldwide audience of the First Presidency Christmas Devotional on Dec. 1 from our home, thanks to the Internet. Of course there was beautiful music with the Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square. We enjoyed the story of Pres. Uchtdorf's family's Christmas celebration in Germany where the candle lights symbolized the light of Christ that we can have in our lives at all times, through the Holy Ghost. Pres. Eyring's memories of Christmas pageants put on in their home led him to consider the importance of the lambs--each of us as Christ's little lambs, and the Savior as the Lamb of God who became the sacrifice for our sins. Pres. Monson evoked the lament of the innkeeper in Bethlehem who may have said "If only..."and warned us against being so wrapped up in ourselves that we fail to serve and love others because "time is limitless yet perishable".

Is it any wonder that Christmas is my favorite season??