We did something in 2015, I’ve never done before, not spend the holidays with either of our families. Before you go judging us, let me explain…

We still felt the Christmas spirit @ RIU Emerald Bay Resort in Mazatlan, MX.

We currently live in Houston, TX, our parents live in Minnesota and Indiana. We’ve gone home for every Winter for the holidays, since I’ve moved away. Let me tell you something about Winter, it sucks! No, seriously. Maybe, the first days of snowfall are beautiful, but once I moved away after “surviving” 30 something Winters, I realize I’m over it. Done. I said it, “I hate Winter!” I no longer look forward to going home for the holidays, at the absolute coldest times of the year. Last Winter, I told our families, “we’re not coming back next year… who wants to go to Mexico, instead?”

I almost felt bad for not going home, but then I got here and got over it. Riu Emerald Bay Resort, Mazatlan, MX.

By August, we’ve usually already purchased our tickets home for the holidays. We spend 1 week with my family, and 1 week with my in-laws, as they are a short flight from one another. It’s exhausting just thinking of going through 3 flights destinations during the holidays. Instead, we purchased tickets to Mexico for Christmas. Our gift to ourselves.

Ready for Christmas dinner @ Riu Emerald Bay Resort, Mazatlan, MX.

I have to admit, I was hesitant I’ve never been away from my family during the holidays. That’s not what “good” Latinas or daughter do. Then, I remembered the previous Winter. I thought, what would really make me happy this Christmas? An all inclusive resort? Yes. Sand in my toes? Yes. Finally getting to wear those cute bikinis? Yes. Margaritas and Piña Coladas from the pool swim up bar? Yes. Fun in the Sun? Yes.

Where we actually spent Christmas, at the Swim up bar. Riu Emberald Bay Resort. Mazatlan, MX

Relaxation and avoid all holiday stress? Yes and Yes. Sunsets on the beach with my husband? Yes. It didn’t take much more to convince me. We booked our 1st holiday vacation in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico. Best. Decision. Ever.

I like this kind of Santa @ RIU Emerald Bay Resort in Mazatlan, MX.

We spent 7 days and nights at the RIU Emerald Bay Resort. It’s not an adults only resort, as we’ve become accustomed to, but Mazatlan, doesn’t have any adult only resorts, yet. To my surprise the resort was at capacity, filled with families that had children of all ages. Not to worry, there was an adults only pool.

Enjoying life on Christmas at Riu Emerald Bay Resort. Mazatlan, MX

We spent our days at the beach or by the pool bar, enjoying the sunshine, water, and tequila.

My husband used to live in Mazatlan, he showed me his old apartment, which was 2 blocks from the beach. I see why this American boy from Minnesota loves Mexico so much, and why he/we can’t stay away. We visited his old stomping grounds, which mostly included beach bars with beautiful views of the ocean.

Cristina and my husband have been friends for 20yrs. They met in a student exchange program in H.S.

We spent Christmas eve with friends. We still received a homemade Christmas dinner by the generosity of our friends and their family.

After our week in Mazatlan, I feel we came back rejuvenated and not stressed for the 1st time during the holidays.

Wishing all our friends and family a Feliz Navidad from the beach in Mazatlan, MX.

Would I do it again? Absolutely! I know we’ll have to go “home” for the holidays, sometimes, but I’ll always dream about our beach Christmas vacation.