December 2025 | Issue No. 67

Hello and welcome to my final newsletter of 2025! As the year winds down and we ease into the glow of the holiday season, it always feels like the perfect moment to pause, take inventory, and honor the important people in our lives. The ones who quietly shape our days with their presence; whose work, creativity, and courage keep our community feeling alive, connected, and inspired. If you’ve been here for a while, you already know how deeply I care about the local creative community; our artists and artisans, our small business owners, our makers and doers, our entrepreneurs and dreamers-who pour their hearts into Albuquerque. They are part of the soul of this place, and part of what makes living here so meaningful. So, to close out the year, I wanted to shine a little light on one of my favorite people, an individual who embodies the very best in all of us. His story reminds me (and I hope will remind you) of the joy that comes from passion, perseverance, and connection. Wishing you a warm, bright, and inspired holiday season. Happy Holidays!

If you’re a patron of the Downtown Growers’ Market (DGM) or the Rail Yards Market (RYM), you probably already know this inspirational person. The beautiful human with the big, bright smile-Ansely Emeanuwa-affectionately known as “The Flower Guy.” Ansely is one of those rare souls who simply makes the world feel lighter. His flowers brighten any space, of course, but it’s his presence-warm, uplifting, effortlessly joyful-that truly stays with you. There’s a contagious energy about him, the kind that reminds you how good people can be.

 

Not many of us discover our calling so early in life, but Ansely did. He began gardening at just 4 years old and was vending at local markets in Corrales with his parents by the age of 5. Talk about synchronicity; sometimes the universe whispers your purpose, or in Ansely’s case, it hands you sunflower seeds and says GO. And he did. He embraced the path wholeheartedly, nurturing not just flowers, but a spirit of connection and community that continues to blossom across Albuquerque.

I first met Ansely when he was in 8th grade, around the time the Downtown Growers’ Market began offering free booths to students to encourage young entrepreneurship. That small, fortuitous opportunity opened a big door for him; a chance to sell his flowers and arrangements, which he then chose to donate proceeds to his teachers to help with classroom expenses. Even now, he continues to give back, donating regularly and running a school supply drive for Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) in his spare time. It’s a testament to who he is at his core: generous, grounded, and endlessly community-minded. His passion for education didn’t stop at helping others. While running a thriving family business, he earned a Master’s in Accounting and Entrepreneurship from UNM, where he was also crowned Homecoming King. A Lobo through and through, his success has given him the distinct honor of creating and presenting a wreath to the university president each year during the annual UNM Hanging of the Greens.

To learn more or to pre-order arrangements for the holidays, or anytime, be sure to visit his website. Perfect for any special occasion, he even creates stunning bouquets and arrangements for weddings, anniversaries, and any celebration you can think of. If you have an idea or vision, chances are great that he can make it happen just in time for your event.

 

 And of course, mark your calendar for the most anticipated Albuquerque holiday event of the year: the Rail Yards Holiday Market, with TWO weekends this time around! December 13-14 and 20-21. It’s the perfect place to soak in the magic of the season…and to catch that unmistakable smile from “The Flower Guy” himself.

If your holiday shopping plans already include a stop at the Rail Yards Holiday Market, you are in for a treat this year. For the first time ever, the market will take place over two full weekends: this coming December 13-14 and again the weekend before Christmas, December 20-21. Both Saturdays and Sundays run from 10am-4pm. With more than 300 farm, food, and art vendors, you can easily finish all of your shopping in one festive, bustling place. The market typically welcomes over 30,000 visitors in a single weekend, making it the most anticipated shopping experience of the season. I usually try to sneak in early on opening day before the crowds build, but this year I might just have to go both weekends! I know I’ll spot all my favorite small businesses and makers, and without a doubt, discover a few new ones along the way.

 

For those new to the market (or if you could use a quick reminder), you’ll find it at 777 1st Street SW, Albuquerque 87102, in the heart of the historic Barelas neighborhood.

But wait, there’s more! In addition to adding a second weekend this year, the Rail Yards team has introduced an entirely new experience designed to make your holiday shopping easier, more convenient, and even more magical than ever. Many of you already know that the historic Rail Yards complex has been home to the seasonal Sunday Rail Yards Market (May-October) since 2014. And in recent years, thanks to a cooperative effort with the City of Albuquerque, revitalizing this treasured space has been a major focus. That renewed energy has opened the doors for even more events, including the Valentine’s Market, the fall Movies at the Market, and now a brand-new offering to enjoy from December 17-21: QUIERO!

QUIERO: A New Indoor Experience at the Rail Yards will be a premier indoor happening featuring shopping, workshops, food, beverages, and a curated lineup of beloved local vendors and small businesses. It’s fresh, festive, and beautifully aligned with the Rail Yards’ mission: giving our community even more ways to support, celebrate, and immerse themselves in Albuquerque’s vibrant creative culture.

In true Rail Yards fashion, QUIERO isn’t just an event, it’s an invitation. An opportunity to gather, explore, enjoy, and uplift the makers and dreamers who make this city feel so special.

There will be a workshop series featuring local businesses offered on December 17, 18, and 19th. Spaces are limited, so follow the link below for more information or to sign up for your favorite one now. Each workshop will accommodate up to 24 participants, so you're sure to get the best hands-on learning experience! 

The first workshop on December 17th from 11am-1pm is guaranteed to be fun for everyone; a hands-on holiday cookie decorating session with Deelish Treats 505. If you prefer something soothing and scent-filled, there’s a second workshop that same day from 2pm-4pm with Balate Naturals, where you’ll get to create your own custom bath bombs to take home and enjoy. On December 18th, you can join Big Jim Farms for a tamale-making workshop at 11am or 2pm. This is a fun way to learn a beloved New Mexican tradition just in time for the holidays. And on the final workshop day, December 19th, at either 11am or 2pm, you can express your creative side with Canterito painting led by Chamoy Bar.

 

Each workshop is $50 and includes:

Guided DIY experience with talented local small-business instructors

All necessary supplies

A drink ticket from Sidetrack Brewery

$5 to spend at any vendor during your visit

 

It’s the perfect way to try something new, support local makers, and enjoy a festive, joy-filled outing in the iconic Rail Yards complex, surrounded by fellow Burqueños and the spirit of the season.

The Rail Yards staff and volunteers are known for their creative, heartfelt approach to supporting our Albuquerque community; championing small businesses, makers, and visionaries with every event they host. But I think they may have outdone even themselves this year! With the ongoing renovation of the historic Rail Yards complex breathing new life into these incredible old buildings, they’re now able to offer even more experiences and opportunities for all of us to get out, try something new, and fully enjoy the beauty of our surroundings. It’s inspiring to see what can happen when passion, community, and a beloved piece of history all come together. This definitely aligns perfectly with their ongoing mission.

What are you most excited to experience this holiday season? 

If you've been thinking about buying, now through January is one of the best times to jump in. There's less competition with many buyers waiting until Spring to start their home search. This seasonal lull creates a window of opportunity where sellers may be more flexible on price and more willing to help with closing costs. Traditionally Spring home prices see the largest climb as the market heats up with more potential buyers. If you want to take advantage of this window, let's talk. Don't pay more in a few months, now is the time to get your deal!

For sellers, now is the perfect time to begin preparing your home for a spring listing. Reach out now, and I'll help you get your home ready so you can hit the market at exactly the right time. 

Thank you for joining me again this month. This newsletter was a special one for me, a heartfelt way to close out the year by honoring one of the many creative souls who make Albuquerque such a vibrant and inspiring place to call home. As I reflect and settle into the spirit of the season, it feels especially meaningful to celebrate the value and wonder of those who bring joy, beauty, and art-in whatever form-to our world. I know it’s what keeps me grounded and balanced amid the wonderfully hectic life of being a Realtor. Is there someone in our community who inspires you and makes Albuquerque that much brighter? I would love to hear their story.

 

Wishing you and yours a peaceful, joy-filled, and deeply inspired holiday season. Here’s to welcoming 2026 with open hearts.

Happy Holidays! See you next year…

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