A Merry Little Christmas
6" x 6" matted and custom framed pastel painting
 
Welcome to the 25 Days of Minis!

I’m so excited to be part of this special holiday show, running December 1–25.  Thank you for being here.  Each evening, I’ll be releasing a brand-new mini painting joyful little works of art designed to bring color, cheer, and warmth into your home this holiday season.  Along the way, I’ll also be sharing some of my favorite holiday cocktails and food recipes, and some fun stuff I have found this year that is perfect for making your gatherings and cozy nights at home a little more festive.  
 
A Little History of the Luminaria
Every December, plazas, churches, and adobe homes across New Mexico glow with the soft flicker of luminarias or farolitos, as they’re called in the north.  In Spanish, luminaria means “illumination,” and farolito means “little lantern.”  Traditionally made from brown paper bags filled with sand and a small candle, they create a warmth that feels both sacred and welcoming.  Long before paper bags, early settlers stacked small piles of piñon bark and wood to light roadways and church paths sparking the ongoing debate over names: north of Santa Fe, the lanterns are farolitos, while south of Santa Fe, they’re luminarias.  The tradition stretches back centuries, inspired by Spanish settlers and Pueblo celebrations. Even today, these glowing lanterns guide the way on Christmas Eve, symbolizing light, love, and the spirit of homecoming throughout New Mexico.
 
Tonights receipe is Italian Stuffed Peppers.  If you would like a printable copy please email me angeli@angelicoover.com