This narrative created by Gloria Mora recalls a time, not so long ago, and a lifestyle, now considerably altered, that no doubt will cause wonder to among the young readers of today. The stories are written in the language spoken by the residents of La Puente, New Mexico some sixty years ago—and which is still spoken by those still living there. These vignettes envelop the reader in the cultural currents of the Spain of the Seventeenth Century, the Mexican culture of the Eighteenth, and the Anglo-Americans of the late Nineteenth Century.  It must be said that the language is predominately colonial Spanish, integrated with Mexican Spanish and to a lesser degree with indigenous languages of central Mexico and the upper Río Grande river valley. There is also some borrowing from English.

The environment painted by the narrator is one of a life with few material resources and of considerable physical labor, but at the same time, one that is simple, honest, just and pleasant. It is seen through the eyes of and felt by the gentle tenderness of a seven-year-old girl. The episodes describe how her happiness is formed by the deep love of her family. They tell of a life in which the character of a person is much more important than material possessions.

With a zeal to cultivate among children an appreciation of the values inherited from their families, Gloria Mora employs a style that is accessible to the young.  Cognizant of how society has changed, for good or bad, her desire is to ensure that the positive cultural qualities learned in her own childhood are not lost.  By placing her narrative at the children’s level she hopes to capture their imagination and thus create a fondness for conserving the cultural base of Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado.

Mis Crismes 1956, Christmas in La Puente, New Mexico merits the attention of parents, elementary school teachers and researchers concerned with the cultural development of the Nuevo Mexicanos.