Christmas in Hawaii via Santa Barbara

Melinda Palacio

At La Arcada, downtown Santa Barbara

This year, I've added a new Christmas tradition. Covid lockdown and the threat of new viruses and respiratory illnesses still loom, but I've had the chance to enjoy the Christmas in Hawaii show by Jake Shimabukuro. If you've never heard of Jake, you probably don't hang around ukulele players or guitarists. He's considered the Jimi Hendrix of ukulele because of his virtuosity on the ukulele. Over the lockdown years, I've had a chance to pick up the little instrument that means jumping flea in Hawaiian. While I don't play as good as Jake, I understand how his trajectory has led to his worldwide fame. 

He learned his first chords from his mother at age four, with two chords under his belt, he could play "Love Me Do," by the Beatles. He then went on to learn from Hawaiian masters, honing his craft, writing songs, producing albums and touring. He's now 46 and loves performing and connecting with his audience, has dozens of albums under his belt and is a true master of his craft. What's fun about watching Jake is how humble he appears while producing mind blowing sounds out of a little instrument with four strings. His musical set showed how he well versed he is in a variety of genres. He's not playing songs you'd expect to hear such as Tiny Bubbles or Melekamikimaka. He's playing Schubert's "Ave Maria," Queen's "Bohemaian Rhapsody," Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," to name a few. Christmas songs included "What Child Is This" and the more contemporary, "This Christmas." There was the obligatory homage to Iz and the Hawaiian version of "Over the Rainbow." Jake played flamenco songs and rock songs. He said he even found inspiration from Bruce Lee films. His original composition, "Dragon," is a tribute to Bruce Lee. 

His latest album, Jake & Friends, is a collaborative work with his musical heroes including Willie Nelson, Bette Midler, and Sonny Landreth to name a few of the collaborators. While he couldn't bring all of the collaborators on tour with him, he brought three friends from Hawaii to play some of the songs from the new album, Herb Ohta, Jr., longtime touring pal and bass player Jackson Waldhoff, and guitarist Justin Kawika Young, who also shared some of his original songs. The show ended with Jake playing "Get Together" by The Youngbloods, also the last song on his new album feat Jesse Colin Young. Not exactly a Christmas song, but the theme was just right and after the show there was a meet and great, a chance to connect in person with the humble and good-natured virtuoso. 

For anyone feeling depressed or experiencing low energy during the holiday, I can recommend learning how to play the ukulele. In my experience, compared to learning guitar or piano, the ukulele is accessible, especially if you've tried to learn an instrument in the past. Learning music lights up the pleasure zone in your brain and it's almost impossible to be unhappy while playing the ukulele. I can't say enough positive things about my experience learning the instrument. Meeting Jake, a ukulele master, was thrilling to see his infectious joy. If you're looking for a last minute Christmas gift, I would recommend a ukulele. 

with Jake Shimabukuro 

 

Tamalitos

Review by Ariadna Sánchez

Happy Holidays! Christmas is a time to celebrate with family and friends surrounded by the spirit of love, peace and happiness. Christmas is an occasion filled with hope, good wishes and delicious food.

Today’s book is Tamalitos written by the award winning Salvadoran poet and writer Jorge Telt Argueta and illustrated by Domi. To read the poems in this book is a succulent experience. Reading Tamalitos today could turn your Christmas evening into a delicious family moment. Argueta’s delightful poems are an invitation to embrace the importance of traditions with a tasty approach. Each poem guides the young reader to get involved in the art of making a unique and appetizing tamal.

Tamales first appeared in the early 7000 B.C. in Pre-Columbian history when the Aztec women served as cooks for the armies during battles. There was a need to have a more portable yet sustainable food and the tamales could be made ahead of time, packed and warmed as needed.

Tamales have changed in size, color, shape, and filling, depending on the location and the resources available. The wrappings varied from cornhusks, to soft tree bark, to edible leaves, such as those from avocados and bananas.  A tamalis mainly composed of masa (hominy flour dough) spread on a corn shuck and filled with either chicken, pork, beef, green chile, cheese, or, more recently, vegetables.

The preparation of tamales is time and labor consuming. The tamale making process takes almost all day and preparations often start one or two days prior. Some families associated the tamales with the Christmas holidays and some other special occasions. 

Today, the influence of the tamales has expanded beyond the Latino community and is loved by all cultures. If you or your family is having tamales for dinner, hopefully you will appreciate not only the time and effort that went into making them, but also the history behind it.

¡Feliz Navidad! Reading gives you wings. Read this mouthwatering book today.

2019 Santa's Last Chance

Michael Sedano
What a difference a decade makes. This is my 2010 Christmas Letter to Santa, slightly updated. The pendejo addressed in the letter looks like a saint in comparison to the present occupant. Marty and Ed's tamalada continues for the Nth year in succession, but Barbara and I no longer attend late-evening events, so we're in no position for life to imitate art on our walk home. By the way, click links like this to songs and stuff alluded in the letter to Santa.

Dear Santa:

Seems like only yesterday I wrote you all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, so I could with you merry chrithmath. And here we are today, several implants and numerous fillings later, but my two front teeth are all mine, so thanks for granting me that small wish.

Then there was that bit of trouble, remember? I saw Mommy kissing you underneath the mistletoe that night. How was I to know Daddy was wearing your suit?

But I didn't pout, I didn't shout. I was nice. I'm wise to that list you keep and check twice. Coal pollutes so that’s an empty threat.

Nothing can top that Red Ryder BB Gun from 4th grade. Thank you, I see fine with one eye. It's not your fault. Besides, it got me out of the draft back in '68, so all in all, that was another good Christmas for me. Then, there's that saying about tierra de ciegos el tuerto es rey, but I'm not a monarchist.

What did Grandma do that pissed you off that night, coming home from Marty and Ed’s tamalada?

Pasadena Local Astonisher 12/25/18

Sure, people say there’s no such thing as Santa, then again some laugh at Global Warming.
But getting run over by reindeer is a hard way to reaffirm one's belief in your existence, Santa. Mejor, just go ask Virginia, que no?

That year I asked for RAM and got Mary's little lamb? It grew up, you'll see, by the way. I meant computer memory, Santa.

So, knowing you have a low tolerance for ambiguity, I am going to keep this short, sweet, and specific, OK?

First, all I want for Christmas is a room somewhere. Please make it far away from the cold night air. And make it a big room, and soundproofed because the joyful and triumphant, they make a lot of noise, and those scruffy guys with the camels, they’re always complaining and whining like cats, “just the worst time of the year for such a journey, the ways deep and the weather sharp, the very dead of winter.”

Second, please bring Bernie some ink. And airtime. 

My third wish, dear Santa, is new this year, and I'm not alone, so don't allow high demand to deny my wish because this wish is for everyone else. You don't have to bring me diddly.  

So here's the wish: If you can't bring Mitch a moral conscience for Christmas, just swing the swing states to decency in November. Out here in the real USA, we'll GOTV like we did before, Santa. 

P.S. Those are gluten-free cookies from a Good Mexican Girl, and the chocolate is made with lactose-free milk. And do enjoy the mutton stew.

Books for los Reyes Magos

Feliz 2019. For families in Latin America, Christmas is not over yet. There is still another big celebration coming on January 6th, el día de los Reyes Magos. Enjoy these books with the little ones and children of all ages.

Las estrellas de los Reyes Magos by Tere Rodríguez-Nora. Illustrated by Walter Torres.

It was a beautiful night. The sky was clear and full of stars. Benjamin could distinguish three in particular that twinkled more than the others. With the help of his grandfather, Benjamin discovers the magical story behind these stars and the tradition of the Day of the Three Kings. This title was selected as a finalist in the 18th Annual International Latino Book Awards in the category "Best Latino Focused Children’s Picture Book – Spanish".

¡Vivan Los Reyes Magos! by Lori Marie Carlson. Illustrated by Ed Martinez.

Three Kings' Day, or Epiphany, is celebrated on January 6th by children in Spanish-speaking countries around the world. Combining traditions from different Hispanic communities, this story, illustrated with luminous oil paintings, follows a young Latino girl and her two older brothers as they celebrate this joyous day. A Hispanic family enjoys the traditional celebration of El Dia  de los Reyes, or Epiphany, by reenacting the long walk of the three wise men bringing gifts to baby Jesus.

 

Humphrey's First Christmas written and illustrated by Carol Heyer.

We have all hear the story of the three wise men, who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus. But what about the camels who carried them? Here is the imaginative story of Humphrey the camel and his long, cold journey to Bethlehem. This story reminds readers of the importance of Christmas and the true meaning of gift-giving.

 Los Reyes Magos de Oriente by Lluis Farre. Illustrated by Merce Canals. Adapted by Carmen Gil.

With rhyming text and lively illustrations, this pop-up book presents one of the most popular biblical stories among children—the voyage of the three kings to Bethlehem to worship baby Jesus—and will immerse young readers in the magic and traditions of Christmas.

Celebra La Navidad Y El Dia De Los Reyes Magos Con Pablo Y Carlitos / Celebrate Christmas and Three Kings Day With Pablo and by F. Isabel Campoy Isabel and Alma Flor Ada. Illustrated by Walter Torres.

Brothers Pablo and Carlitos write letters to the three kings, telling them the gifts they want to receive on Three Kings' Day. Includes facts about Christmas and Three Kings' Day.

 ¡Ya llegan los Reyes Magos! by Georgina Lázaro, Illustrated by Morella Fuenmayor.

This beautifully illustrated poem voices the excitement of Three Kings' Day from a child's perspective. Each verse explores the emotions, traditions, delicacies, and activities of a holiday widely celebrated throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Children who already love Three Kings' Day and those who are discovering the holiday for the first time will delight in these rhyming verses.

 The Visit of the Wise Men by Martha Jander. Illustrated by Lin Wang.

Through gentle verse and rich illustrations, children hear an accurate portrayal of the Magi, dispelling misunderstandings that put three Wise Men at Jesus birthplace.

5th Annual Winterlandia

A messages for Tía Chucha's, Centro Cultural & Bookstore, 5th Annual Winterlandia

Hope everyone is doing well! Tia Chucha's Winterlandia is this Sunday. Events include the children's book giveaway and reading circles. Please join us at the Pacoima Community Center as a storytime reader or just attend. This is a great time to do holiday shopping and books make the best presents :).

Tia Chucha's is working with the 500.00 dollar donation to provide the following titles free for children attending the event. Children will be given one of the three books listed below.

Free Books  

• Charro Claus and the Tejas Kid

• Little Chanclas  

• Loteria: First Words

We are very excited about the Children's Reading Circles which will take place from 12:00 - 4:30 PM. Readings will take place every 30 minutes and the staff at Tia Chucha's selected several of their holiday themed titles for the reading. 

Children's Reading Circle Titles

• Too Many Tamales

• Paquito y Abuelito

• The Spirit of Christmas

• Rosita y Conchita

• 'Twas Nochebuena

If you are interested in reading please use the form to select one (or more) time checks and which titles you would like to read. Organizers will confirm with you asap since the event is this Sunday.

Reading Circle Sign-Up Form  (http://bit.ly/1HTYWHa)

Again thank you for your willingness to volunteer.

Best,

Jennie Quinonez-Skinner

Reference and Instruction Associate Librarian

California State University, Northridge

Feliz Navidad

Written by Jose Feliciano

Illustrated by David Diaz

"Feliz Navidad" is a bilingual song in Spanish and English--a perfect accompaniment to this book that teaches children about both a typical Caribbean parranda and a traditional winter Christmas feast in a fun, flip book format!

Join the parranda--a Christmas caroling party with traditional songs, instruments, and lots of delicious food! Children will learn about this typical Caribbean celebration, where family, friends, and musicians surprise their neighbors with nighttime caroling, travel from house to house gathering more and more guests, and end the festivities with an outdoor cookout!

Jose Feliciano was born on September 10, 1945 in Puerto Rico and moved to New York at age five. Being born blind never slowed this self-taught musician down. Feliciano is a six-time Grammy Award winner with 45 gold and platinum records. He is the recipient of Billboard's 1996 Lifetime Achievement Award and the Ricardo Montalban Lifetime Achievement Award. Feliciano wrote the lyrics for "Feliz Navidad" (released in 1968) when he was homesick for his native Puerto Rico.

David Diaz is the winner of the 1995 Caldecott Medal for SMOKY NIGHT, written by Eve Bunting. Diaz has been an illustrator for fifteen years serving such clients as American Express, PepsiCo, and Benetton. His work has appeared in the Atlantic Monthly and the Washington Post. He developed his bold art style after a trip down the Amazon in Brazil. He has illustrated many books for children, including GOING HOME and THE INNER CITY MOTHER GOOSE. Diaz lives in California with his wife and three children.

A Festive Sharing - old holiday tradition revived

Yesterday my wife and I hosted our annual Festive Sharing, usually held a couple of weeks before Christmas. Here's how the invitation read:

"In the spirit of less stuff, bring a gift to share, not to give away, something you or someone else created--non-manufactured.

"Come experience all the shares, like: A story, poem, song, play, dance or artwork, written, spoken, sung, performed or simply exhibited. Drawn, painted, sewn, photoed, carved or crafted. Baked, steamed, brewed, homemade, self-portraited, recently read, or--your choice. 10-15 min to present your Share.

"Food, hot mexicano cocoa, primo margaritas, beer, sangria and other liquids. Bring a favorite dish or drink to richen the communal meal. Dress code, tribal-informal. Wear your fave, faded, baggy, flabby whatevers. Drinks & eats followed by the Sharing. First-come, first to share."

Our event is a mix of family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and others, although our home barely accommodates the couple of dozen guests. It looks like a holiday party. Until the Sharing starts

And a teenaged boy performs his dance. Or a young lady sings.

A guitarist does an original composition.

A writer, her prose.

A man reading his favorite poet.

A self-produced documentary on remote-control airplanes.

A pot of jambalaya, and the story behind it.

A handmade fishing rod.

A fire-dancer out on the lawn.

You can't imagine the variety because there's no limit to what interests people or what they're capable of creating.

For our few hours, there's no worry about buying gifts or getting to the sale or wrapping presents. No one expects you to give any thing, No exchange of purchased presents. You give of yourself, and everyone receives that.

I enjoy the Sharing for its non-consumerist, non-materialistic, non-commercial qualities. It reminds me that once upon a time, our much happier ancestors gathered in forests, around campfires, on grassy plains or in caves, and had fun sharing what they'd made with natural materials and their own hands. Or shared a rock crystal or a bird's colorful egg they'd discovered. Maybe we were more like children then. Open to discovering, exploring, enjoying and definitely sharing that, with little or no stress.

Today we are social animals who've lost our tribe, our largest, safe grouping. We may still have our other circles--our close support group of 5, 15 sympathetic friends, 50 close friends. But the approximate 150 who once constituted our tribe hardly exist anymore. Social media friends in the thousands doesn't fill the void. And we suffer the loneliness, the vulnerability, sense of helplessness and lack of power, things we didn't so much have when we were part of a tribe.

That why there's cholo gangs, community and cultural groups where people regularly meet and engage with large groups. That why there's Ferguson marches. They're attempts not only to protest, but also to reacquire the power of our tribe. When we gather together in one place, we approximate a tribe; attending a rally makes us feel more powerful, less helpless.

Our neighborhood barrios, ghettoes and communities were once our modern-day tribes. Real estate development, eminent domain, gentrification and segregationist dispersal of working class people have eaten away at our communities. Now, in many cases, we don't know our neighbors and wouldn't want to. We can't imagine their being a part of our circle, our tribe.

I believe all the dystopias facing us and our descendants will again provide an enclosed environment where tribes will naturally arise out of dire necessity. As society--the economy, joblessness, debt, climate, deteriorating public services, and institutional violence--gets worse, our social genetics will induce us to gather with those who live nearby, like tribal villages of old, to protect ourselves and survive. And to prosper, for that matter.

I don't expect to report next year that I'm now a member of a thriving tribe. I'm simply doing what I can. What my genetic make-up and mind tell me is true and required. Our Sharing event is a piece of that. Try one for yourself. You don't need published authors, gifted artists, politicians or rich patrons to make yours worthwhile. You simply need to invite whoever comes to mind. And realize that in times past, they were integral to how we survived blizzards and saber-toothed tigers and enemy attacks.

It use to take a village to raise a child. You were one of those children and may need to be again.

Having a great sharing season,

RudyG, a.k.a. Rudy Ch. Garcia, Sharing host and author of fabulist mextasy tales

Las Posadas: a Hispanic Christmas Celebration

Review by Ariadna Sánchez

Las Posadas have started. It’s time to celebrate. Christmas is almost here!

A delightful book to read today is Las Posadas: a Hispanic Christmas Celebration written by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith and photographed by Lawrence Migdale. This informative non-fiction book illustrates Las Posadas (a religious celebration of Mary and Joseph looking for shelter).

Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration with origins in Spain. It’s celebrated mainly in Mexico, Latin America and in some parts of the United States. Las Posadas begin on December 16^th and they end on December 24^th.

Posada means lodging or inn in English. Las Posadas are full of spirituality, enthusiasm and hope. During Las Posadas, the catholic community gathers to remember the struggles that Mary and Joseph faced to find shelter before the arrival of Jesus. This religious-cultural celebration is based on the novena (nine days of prayer) used in the Catholic Church. After each prayer of the novena, the madrina (host) gives tamales, fruit punch, and candies. The piñatas are the most expected treat for the youngest members of the community.

Las Posadas: a Hispanic Christmas Celebration by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith and photographs by Lawrence Migdale is based on the experience of eleven-year old Kristen Lucero and her family. They lived in Española, New Mexico. You and your family will learn about the different ways in which the community participates in a posada. At the end of the book you will find the bilingual "Song of Las Posadas".

I’m from Oaxaca, Mexico and this celebration is a huge festivity that brings together the magic of the holidays with the spiritual beliefs of a community. This especial event is also filled with Nochebuenas (poinsettias), faroles (lanterns), piñatas, and the traditional nacimiento (nativity representation).

Let me share with you the lyrics of one of the songs children and adults sing after the prayers to encourage the host to share some treats.

• Anda madrina, no te dilates
  Con la canasta, de los cacahuates
  
  
• Anda madrina, sal del rincón
  Con la canasta de la colación
  
  
• Echen confites y canelones
  Pa’ los muchachos, que son muy tragones
  
  
  
  
  Enjoy the holiday season. Remember, reading gives you wings. Read this book today!
  
  

A Chistmas Story in "Emma's Cursed Purse"

By tatiana de la tierra

All I wanted for Christmas was … Nothing. In this age of Too Many Things, I fantasize about being sparse—having just what I need, without all the excess. My reality is bulging drawers, handsome collections of rocks, books, record albums, goddesses, art-like objects, and loads of useful and useless doodads.

So when my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas I answered with a resounding “Nothing!”, knowing it would be nearly impossible for her to fulfill this wish. My mom loves to give presents. She marches into the mall with the mission of a seasoned shopper who falls into a trance and transforms into an eight-armed octopus, sensing and selecting multiple presents for her friends and family. She gives too much. Not one or two blouses but seven or eight. Not just one sparkly doodad but four or five.

I got the gift-giving gene from my mom. For years, I got into the mall trance, touching and probing until I found the right objects for the right people. But I rarely do malls any more, and I’m not keen on all the Made-in-China stuff. The gene has worn off. I’m tired of Stuff. I don’t want to participate in mainstream robotic rites. My not-so-philanthropic philosophy is perfect for this holiday season when I’m stuck in California while my family is celebrating in Florida and Cartagena.

The medium-sized flat-rate Priority Mail box arrived a few days before Christmas. I figured my mom had packed a ton of very small lightweight things—gold rings, silk scarves, a few CDs, cashmere, maybe some tiny work of art. But when I opened it, there were only two presents.

I couldn’t believe it. Did she no longer love me? Did I really want “Nothing”? If I was so opposed to commercialized Christmas spirit, why was I so perturbed at the reality of not getting a ton of potentially useless presents? How shallow was I, anyway?

Given that I’m so anti-holiday, I don’t know why I got the pine wreath at Trader Joe’s and promptly affixed it to my front door. Or why, at the last minute, I bought presents for everyone in Florida and sent the box overnight. Or why I accepted my neighbors’ invitation for their Christmas Eve celebration.

The living room was lit with tons of candles and packed with Christmas decorations. Reindeer, wreaths, ornaments, flickering lights, elves, bells, and a real Christmas tree with presents were arranged in the room with orange walls, artwork and tons of doodads, including a big Buddha surrounded by red candles. We ate, drank, drummed, and sang Christmas carols in Spanish, English, and German.

Just after midnight, we stood in a circle and held hands. There were fifteen of us from all over the world—Austria, Mexico, Colombia, Japan, France, the U.S., and Cambodia. When we went around the circle, each of us saying something that we were grateful for, the top declarations were family, friends, lovers, and life itself. Then we lit the candles on the tree and exchanged gifts. It all seemed so simple and meaningful, not so cynical and excessive after all.

The next morning, my mom’s two presents awaited me. So did an envelope that one my sisters sent me. Thanks for the Kindle, Mom, and for the dough, and for making me assess my own materialistic dogma. Thanks to Wally and Alfredo, my neighbors who innocently created some sort of organic holiday cheer.

And after opening that envelope, I give thanks to my niece, Bella, who sent me a collection of her short stories. While we are worlds apart, I got a good laugh from a few of her stories this Christmas. Here is one to share with the world, lightly edited, to spread the holiday spirit, while I’m still in the mood.


EMMA’S CURSED PURSE

BY ISABELLA SIMONS

Emma was in Paris shopping for her birthday. She walked into a mysterious boutique. She saw a pretty, shiny pink purse.

When she went to pay, an old lady said, “Don’t you buy that purse! There’s a purse curse on it, and you’ll have terrible luck.”

Emma rolled her eyes and bought the purse. “My new purse, finally!!” she squealed with delight. She walked out the door and an alarm went off.

“Get back in here, you haven’t paid!!!” the manager yelled.

Emma went back in. She had thrown the receipt away. After what seemed like an hour of digging in the trash she finally had her receipt and her manicure was ruined. “Ugh! I’ll have to go get a manicure AGAIN!!!!” she huffed furiously. She stormed out, unconvinced her new purse was cursed.

When her nails were done the stylist had left a pink blob of nail polish on her middle finger. “GRRR…” Emma screeched furiously. She felt like flipping her stylist over.

She stormed out into the pouring rain. Her new shirt was ruined.

She was so frustrated that she ran back to the store to return the wretched purse.

When she got home, her dad had just arrived. “Happy birthday!” he said and hugged her, as he handed her a present. It was a new purse. It looked identical to the one she had bought earlier.

She went outside. It stopped raining. Her manicure was now perfect, her shirt good as new and dry.

“They told me only two of these were made. One was a good luck charm, one cursed,” said her dad.

“Silly story,” Emma replied. “Absolutely impossible.”

The End.