By now, we’re all in the holiday hoopla together.
     
There are gifts to be selected, purchased and wrapped. Then, they’ll be given and hopefully, adored and appreciated.

In the meantime, we’re supposed to take a moment and enjoy this special season, though that can be difficult when time is of the essence.

Even so, let’s all stop and remember the gifts in our lives already — the family and the friends who give to us of themselves each and every day of the year.

My husband and my sons are the best presents I’ve ever received, and I look forward to celebrating the joys and blessings of the holidays with them during these next few weeks.

Also celebrating the holidays in different ways are the people featured in this week’s MÁS.

There are the Ornelaz sisters — Victoria and Lauren — who celebrate each Christmas season by dancing in “The Nutcracker” and then usually spending a week in Mexico with family afterward.

Read about these very talented — and very busy — Latina ballerinas and how they’ve danced their way into this beloved community production in our cover story by MÁS staff writer Lisa Wuertz.

We also learn that the Marie Callender’s on California Avenue is spicing up its menu with a new offering often served up to celebrate the holidays (or help ease a little too much celebrating from the night before) — menudo! See the appetizing article by MÁS freelancer Naomi Moss.

Our Latino America article for this week, explains the story behind the celebration for El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe, Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We also list the various services at local Catholic churches to commemorate this revered woman.

Still need a gift idea for the mujer in your life? Check out our staff gift guide.

Yes, ‘tis the season to celebrate, to enjoy and to cherish the gifts that will be both given and received.

Most of all, ‘tis the season to remember just how very fortunate we are to have so much to celebrate and to be able to do so with the ones we love.

Happy Holidays to all!

— Teresa Adamo, MÁS copy editor