<em>Author's Note: Santa Fe is the oldest and the highest capital in the United States. Located 7,200 feet above sea level in the southernmost Rocky Mountains, it is tucked into a valley of the Rio Grande in New Mexico. The outlaying regions are unspoiled national forest. Surprise! There is no desert. Only blue skies, tree-covered hills, grassland, fruit trees and flowers. Also find wonderful chiles as in peppers, the official state vegetable. Common menu question asked of visitors re: chile sauces? "Red, green or Christmas?" By ordering Christmas, diners receive both.</em>

Spanish explorers brought many customs to the New World, including what is now the American Southwest. One of the most enduring is the use of farolitos, or luminaria, to greet the birth of the Christ child. Simple brown paper bags are weighted with sand and hold a lit candle. The hope among Roman Catholics is the light will guide the spirit of the Christ child to their homes.

In Santa Fe, luminaria grace the city's streets, churches, neighborhoods and public squares. These typically are arranged in rows to create large and elaborate displays.

In English, the name "Santa Fe" translates to "Holy Faith." The city welcomes all faiths all year, especially in December to celebrate all holidays of the season.

Meaning "little lanterns" in Spanish, the custom was embraced warmly first in Mexico and then after World War II in the United States. Some believe the paper bags were introduced as a nod to the Chinese custom of using paper lanterns for festive occasions. The luminaria help the city, its residents and guests celebrate centuries of traditions from Native culture, Spanish Colonial heritage and the Old West Pioneer spirit.

<strong>Shop 'til you drop</strong>

Santa Fe is a UNESCO Creative City; it was the first city in the country to be so honored and is still only one of a handful in the world. Collectors and new aficionados for Native arts find a dazzling selection of fine art and crafts at the Santa Fe Indian Market. Usually, the artist is on hand, too. The market started in 1922 and attracts more than 100,000 visitors to buy directly from about 900 artists from more than 200 federally recognized tribes from North America.

Canyon Road is as celebrated as its reputation. Especially in the winter when snow dapples the garden gates, entry courtyards and doorways of wonderful galleries. Each is filled with singular art and fine crafts. With more than 80 galleries, it can be mind-boggling. There is a tour called "Canyon Road Quickie" that takes all the pressure out of an afternoon visit.

At the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Store, find more reproductions of Ms. O'Keeffe's work than anywhere else on the planet. The shop carries an important selection of books about her and American Modernism plus jewelry and gifts made by local artists.

The New Mexico History Museum is a state of the art, multi-media, interactive facility; find it adjacent to the Palace of the Governors. It explores the region's history in a multi-media environment. The Palace of the Governors, part of the history museum, is the country's oldest, continuously in use public building, and it is worth visiting for its own fascinating history.

<strong>DIY dining</strong>

Santa Fe has earned a reputation for great food in general and is home to celebrated chefs and fine cuisine of all kinds. It is almost impossible not to get a good meal.

We shopped at the Santa Fe School of Cooking before signing up for a class; its market is laden with treasures for every foodie on your list. The class is just plain fun and always seems to make a "must-do" list when visiting Santa Fe. Part of the skills lesson of our class was learning to char chiles so we could skin them without skinning our knuckles. It was easy and fun, and we got to eat what we prepared.

It was a surprise to find a goodly number of coffee houses in Santa Fe. There is espresso, pour-over and simply brewed coffee along with teas, too. Many show off roasters, free-trade agreements and often include a bakery, which makes it easier to order a biscochito — also introduced by the Spaniards.

A biscochito is a sugar cookie similar to a cinnamon-sugar Snickerdoodle with a touch of anise. A state that has an official cookie, another endearing reason to spend time in Santa Fe.

<strong>Santa Fe, N.M.:</strong> Santa Fe is a year ‘round destination for foodies, music aficionados, history buffs and those seeking art and culture. Go to the official travel site for Tourism Santa Fe to discover the many ways to experience “The City Different.” santafe.org.

<strong>New Mexico tourism:</strong> New Mexico invites visitors to expect the unexpected, be it in Santa Fe or throughout the state. Download a tourism guide online. newmexico.org.

<strong>Santa Fe Art Tours:</strong> The tour group has a two-hour tour of the galleries on Canyon Road called Canyon Road Quickie. Check it out at santafearttours.com.

<strong>Santa Fe School of Cooking:</strong> Sign up for a class or simply shop at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. Go to santafeschoolofcooking.com.