Christmas in Mexico

I apologize for the complete lack of photos in this post, but you'll understand why as I go along.
I've had several people ask me how my trip to Mexico over Christmas vacation turned out. Without going into the gory details, here's the synopsis:
When most people go to Mexico on vacation, they spend their time relaxing by a beach or pool, sipping on tropical cocktails, and enjoying either the history or the shopping that are both readily available in the country. When I go to Mexico, I sit on my in-laws couch while my Mother-in-Law spends her time alternating between controlling all the details and fixing herself up to go out to eat. Andrei usually plays with his latest Happy Meal toy on the floor, while Luis watches daytime TV or chats with whatever relative is loudly talking in the next room. The major event of the day is always which restaurant we are dining at for dinner, which takes place usually around 3 or 4 pm and supplants lunch... meaning that in between breakfast and dinner, there is nothing but lonliness and emptiness.
This is a formula I have come to know, embrace as unchangeable, and rely upon in my interactions with my in-laws. They are good, honest, hard-working blue collar type people who spend their time in between jobs worrying about paying rent and buying food. Even the ones with a little money seem to have survival so ingrained in their lifestyle that there is no room for art, history, music, or nature. Don't get me wrong: they are intelligent, sensitive, artistic, highly musical people- it's just not part of their routine or celebrations.That is hard for me, but it's good for me to be exposed to because that is how the majority of planet Earth lives.
This year was no different. My vacation involved a lot of sitting on couches while Andrei played on the floor and Luis chatted with his relatives. Throw in a three day stay at the hospital after Mamá had a minor cardiac incident, 4 days on the road with an antsy 8-year-old, and one life-changing trip to see the Mariposas Monarcas and you just about have it. Christmas Eve was fun, since Luis's one paternal aunt threw the party and she is the ultimate party-gal. New Year's Eve was depressing. Everything in between was just a lot of sitting around. There are rumors that the 5 days before I showed up were spent mostly at the pool, but I never got a chance to stick even my baby toe in the water.
Hence... my photos of the butterflies are pretty much the only photos I took, since there wasn't a whole bunch else to photograph.
But nevertheless family is always good to be around, even if it's your spouse's family. I dearly love them and despite the vast cultural divide between us, I cherish the opportunity to see those whom I love, and who spend so much of their limited time and means trying to make our visits as happy and comfortable as possible. I truly am grateful for them, for their sacrifices, their prayers, and their unwavering support for us... After all... Christmas isn't really about shopping, swimming pools, day trips, awesome photos, presents, or tropical beverages. It's about loving and being with the people you care about, right?