A fun pre-Christmas Sunday

Around the first day of December each year, I start scouring the local media sources for inspiration to get into the Christmas spirit.  I'm one of those people (like Dicken's Scrooge) who needs a boost to reset my normally serious personality with the holiday spirit.

So when I read that Ardovino's Desert Crossing was holding their annual Christmas Fair on Sunday, December 7, I started anticipating the chance to add a little sparkle to life.  Ardovino's is a unique establishment located just over the state line from El Paso, Texas in the neighboring town of Sunland Park, New Mexico.

Entrance to Ardovino's Desert Crossing

Ardovino's is loaded with charm.  It consists of a comfortable bar, a gourmet restaurant with scenic views over the mountains, and several outdoor areas with plants native to our southwest area.  A windmill and an outdoor tiled pizza oven add personality to the grounds.  The Christmas Fair was held in a large outbuilding and tent on the property.

Patio at Ardovino's Desert Crossing

On days and evenings when the weather cooperates - and it often does in the Desert Southwest- diners can sit outside on the patio.  And if you are there at just the right time, you can catch a view of a train coming around the mountain, 

Can you spot the train on the left?

My husband Wayne and I decided to have breakfast before we attended the fair.  A wreath greeted us at the door of the restaurant.

Entrance to restaurant

The restaurant was lively, filled with diners of all ages and walks of life.

Ardovino's Restaurant

I am almost embarrassed to admit that I ordered a breakfast dish called"Trailer Park Biscuits and Gravy."  And it was quite a treat.

Fortified with good food and strong coffee, we were ready for the Christmas Fair.  And it did have holiday atmosphere.  Lots of cheerful people were browsing the vendors' tables for home baked goods, items for house decoration (many with  local themes), plants, clothing, soaps, and holiday gifts.

Although we came away empty handed, the Ardovino's Christmas Fair experience made me feel like the holidays are really here. Bring on the decorating, the card addressing, the cookie making, and the present wrapping.  I'm ready for you now.