One would be hard-pressed to know, except for the diminished daylight, that it is December in New Mexico.  High temperatures throughout the state ranged from the 50s to the 70s this week (depending on elevation), and here in Santa Fe, there have been a few 60s at the airport reporting station.  These conditions are relatively rare.  But I do remember growing up in Albuquerque that most Christmas Days were easily warm enough to ride bicycles and play outside.  No gloves, no hats, barely a sweater.  Then, boom!  January arrived along with winter in earnest.

Given the large number of holidays fairs and art walks this weekend, participants in all events were extremely lucky as far as the weather is concerned.   Sunny and decently warm during the day, although as the sun starting setting, it became chilly enough to require several layers of warm clothing.  But without snow or rain, and only a bit of capricious wind, it worked.   Along with some 40 other artisans of varied ilks, Fred participated in the first Holiday Market at the Governor's Mansion this weekend.  In conjunction with New Mexico True, it was  a time when artists and crafts people who have business licenses in the state, and who have products certified as New Mexico True (made, manufactured, or grown in the state) were able to show and sell the products in this venue.  

As we were setting up the rack for Fred's rugs, the process felt familiar.  We had done the Mountain and Valley Wool Association festivals twice in Santa Fe, along with 13 times at Kit Carson Park in Taos, wherein the sense of the nomadic reigned.  This market held the same feel.  Tents went up, displays assembled, wares organized, eventually coming together in a surprisingly brief period.  The market itself was a well-oiled machine.  Bus drivers brought market goers from the PERA parking lot across from the Capitol to the mansion parking lot, and back to PERA when they were finished.  Every single person on the team - from the governor' staff to contractors as well as State Police -  was helpful and organized, totally professional, and imbued joy and the holiday spirit.  
     

The Sock Magic grinch served as the official greeter on the south entrance to the parking lot.

Holiday Market at Governor's Mansion Santa Fe, NM 2025 The Sock Grinch

Big Sage Artisans anchored the north end of the parking lot.  When a bus arrived at either gate, vendors saw people pour forth from the big buses like water through an arroyo in monsoon season.  
 

Holiday Market at Governor's Mansion Santa Fe, NM 2025 Big Sage Artisans rugs

Given that this was an event at the Governor's Mansion, the State Police officers were stationed at different locations, stalwart and diligent.   

Holiday Market at Governor's Mansion Santa Fe, NM 2025 NM State Police officer
 

Members of the Chai Lady family, who do regular markets at the Railyard in Albuquerque, offered liquid warmth.  
Holiday Market at Governor's Mansion Santa Fe, NM 2025 The Chai Lady 1
 

Holiday Market at Governor's Mansion Santa Fe, NM 2025 The Chai Lady 2

Holiday Market at Governor's Mansion Santa Fe, NM 2025 The Chai Lady 3

 The mansion entrance farolitos   

Holiday Market at Governor's Mansion Santa Fe, NM 2025 The Mansion dressed for Christmas

I was particularly taken with the Desert Eagle bronze by artist Dan Namingha, glowing in red on the portal of the mansion. 
 

Holiday Market at Governor's Mansion Santa Fe, NM 2025 "Desert Eagle" bronze by Dan Namingha
 

A departing wish for the season 
Holiday Market at Governor's Mansion Santa Fe, NM 2025 Greetings              

Thanks to all the people who stopped by the booth, including Heather and Stewart, Chris and Steve, and Ingrid and Robert, who kept us company and helped with sales.  And to Michael, who adored Rug 428 enough to buy and embrace it.  Huge kudos to the governor and staff and the people at New Mexico True for bringing all this together.

Last week, Steve, Catherine, Jean & Sam, Sara, Victoria, M. Fred B., Heather, and Marilyn G. were kind enough to comment on last week's blog and your words are much appreciated.   

May the holiday season be a time of wonder for everyone.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image©