This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win $25 Amazon gift card.
Getting ready for Christmas
When I lived out in Albuquerque for a couple of years, I wisely got into the habit of going to look at all the Christmas decorations that were set around. One of my favorite things to attend was heading down to and walking around Old Town Plaza for the Luminaria Tour. You, can also, simply head down there and walk around on your own without taking a guided tour. Either way, it’s a night to make memories.
If you weren’t aware, the luminarias are paper lanterns which stem from a tradition that goes back over a few hundred years. Sand in the bag that you’ve folded at the top, in goes a votive to sit in the sand. While it sounds simple (and is) the visual it presents when there are thousands of them along the streets, driveways, etc is incredible.
People and their kids, pets are out. I’ve seen friends gathering there to make their own tour, visit their favorite places in Old Town Plaza.
It is an experience I won’t forget. Also, if you decide you don’t want to go there, many of the residents in the city have put together some design of their own in their yard and by their homes, so if you’re wanting to drive/walk around to see some holiday light displays, I feel you just can’t do wrong.
While I’m not generally a larger crowd fan, something like this where I am plied with hot drinks and get to see pets who are out and about, it was always something I got to enjoy.
If you happen to be there during this time of year, take a chance and check it out.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from my home to yours!
Sometimes past demons need to be faced before one can embrace what the future offers, and who better to slay them than a Marine?
Gunnery Sergeant Sam Hoch travels to the Pac Norwest upon receiving word his mentor and the closest thing to a father he’s had, has taken a turn for the worse and is in the hospital. Once there he meets a woman who is unlike any he’s ever met before. A former Marine herself, she opens up her home to him so he can be near his family.
Roxi Mammon isn’t positive it’s smart to allow Sam to stay with her, not with her immediate physical reaction to him. She’s heard tales of him from her best friend, his sister, and now having met him she is even more impressed by the man the Corps has turned him into—a silent, strong type. Passion grows between them and soon she finds herself falling for the Recon Marine. And falling hard.
As things escalate between them, Sam has to accept his past doesn’t control him if he plans on keeping Roxi in his future. Can he understand that this is the one woman who can give him something more? Will he silence the fear within him and tell Roxi she’s the one for him? Will he realise that he deserves more than just a temporary home?
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Aliyah Burke is an avid reader and is never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She is happily married to a career military man. They are owned by six Borzoi. She spends her days at the day job, writing, and working with her dogs. She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached here. She can also be found on social media.
Website | Blog | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook
Buy the book at Books2Read.
Walking around and looking at holiday lights is one of my favorite things to do at this time of year. My city has everything from Christmas to New Year’s to Chanukah decorations and everything in-between.
It’s always a lovely thing to view the holiday lights and see how families decorate. My neighbor now has a huge display on his home, including something on his roof that looks like a road. I love it.
Two days ago, we took a luminaria walk in Phoenix with the grandsons. So much fun. And then because it’s Phoenix and we’re setting high temperature records, we went out for ice cream. And ate it outside! 🍨
Holiday ice cream is important!!
I love luminaries… and just Christmas lights in general!
Very beautiful. I wish I was talented to set them up. I would start a fire.
Your post reminded me of the first time I encountered luminaries when I was a child in El Paso. The lights ran up and down hillside driveways and were visible for a long distance in the clear night air. Thanks for the memories!
You’re welcome. I really enjoyed going to see them. Wish we had something like that up here in the pnw.
It has been a while since I saw a display like that… beautiful!
It was, wasn’t it?
Merry Christmas
Thank you, Merry Christmas to you as well.
I just moved to the Albuquerque area and loved reading your post. I didn’t know where to go to enjoy lights (I did go to the botanical gardens a few weeks ago for some) so THANK YOU for sharing.
You’re welcome. There is a lot to do in Albuquerque. My parents still live there and tell me all the time about new fun things they do.
I love walkable light displays!
Me too.
Winner picked. Mnark is the winner of the $25 gift card, please shoot me an email at aliyah_burke@hotmail.com or message me on facebook with your email addy so I can send you the gc from Amazon.
Congratulations and thank you everyone who commented.
Happy reading,
~Aliyah Burke
I emailed you, thanks so much!!