Feliz Navidad

About a month ago The Mr. and I were invited to a Spanish Christmas party.  Not "Spanish" as in from the country of Spain, but "Spanish" as in every one of the attendees spoke the language.  Everyone except The Mr. and I, even though we really, really want to.  But I digress.......

The party was great -- good food, fun entertainment, festive decorations and some awesome Latino dance moves!!  All those swivelling hips really put The Mr. and I to shame.  We were an embarrassment to "blancos" everywhere.  Digressing again......

Anyway, what I really wanted to talk about were the gorgeous poinsettia centrepieces.  Did you know that the poinsettia plant is native to Mexico.  So, considering about half the people in attendance were from Mexico, it was a very appropriate  centrepiece for the evening. 

At the end of the party a few lucky people were sent home with a poinsettia.  I also received one.  

I knew I shouldn't have accepted it -- I can never seem to keep a plant alive.  But I wasn't sure what the Spanish phrase was for "Please give it to someone else -- I'm sure I'll kill it."  For some reason I didn't feel right about trying out my Spanish when the word "KILL" was involved.  Anyway, I graciously accepted the lovely plant and brought it home to suffer a slow and miserable death.  

As predicted, it only took a couple of days until the leaves started turning black and falling off.   A month later, and this is what the poor shrivelled thing looks like:

         

          Too much water?

          Not enough water?

          Not enough sunlight?

I've heard that playing music often helps a plant to grow.  I wonder what kind of music is best for a Mexican Christmas plant.  Christmas carols perhaps?  Or maybe a some lively Mariachi music?  I'll give it some thought and be prepared for next year.

Feliz ano nuevo!

Dixie