Fireworks, illegal as they were, exploded in the dark sky. Unlike an organized show, bursts of light erupted in all directions. On the rooftop I could spin like a child and see fading flickers of green, red, yellow, and more. All 360 degrees. Most days, the city of one million is concealed, but on Christmas night, at midnight, life bursted from the folds.
That’s how I spent my first Peruvian Christmas, taking sips of champagne, singing, saying grace, and giving gifts with mucho cariño. Wherever you are, how was yours?
And whatever you celebrate, religious or not, felices fiestas! 
Cut the Kitsch 