Christmas at "home"

Here we are in La Cruz again after an absence of 9 months and our arrival was like coming home. When we called the office and requested a slip they told us the dock guys would be there to take a line and they were...just like last year. As I stepped onto the dock, Manuel recognized us and welcomed us back. He loaned us his gate card so we could go check in with the office and I was happy to see Maria was still there. She was genuinely delighted to see us again and gave me a big hug and welcome. Raffa, who had just taken over as marina manager shortly before we left, even remembered us! As Chris & I walked back to the boat after checking in, we both commented that it is good to be "home". I was also excited to see quite a few friends from last season and look forward to catching up with them as well as making new friends this year.
One of the things I love the most about Mexico is the people. When you go to a restaurant, a butcher shop, a vegetable market, etc, the people who work there (usually the owners) ask your name and add you to their "friend" roster. Even better, the next time you frequent their place of business, they remember you!
So...it is Christmas morning. Mary is here visiting. Yesterday we took her to Bucerias to do some shopping and have lunch at a palapa on the beach. Last night we attended a Christmas Eve potluck-on-the-lawn with the other cruisers who are here, took a quick shower and then rowed back to the boat to play some Mexican Train before going to bed so Santa could make an appearance! This morning, after opening our gifts we are listening to holiday music and doing a bit of email, etc before we row across to the restaurant for breakfast. Since we just arrived the 22nd and Mary was flying in the 23rd Chris & I had no time to shop for each other so our gifts were IOU's! Chris is giving me an inflatable kayak and my gift to him is a new handheld GPS...as soon as we can get to a place where those can be purchased!
Christmas dinner will be at Philo's Restaurant where we celebrated Thanksgiving last year. He provides the turkeys and the guests bring potluck dishes to share. Then "Santa" arrives and gives gifts (all of which have been donated by cruisers and local residents) to the local children. Once all that excitement is over there will be music and dancing and plenty more socializing. We are looking forward to a very fun evening.
Sunshine, 80 degree weather, secure at the dock, a wonderful husband and my best friend here to share the occasion and a few calls to family to top off the day. How much better can it get? I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!