Today we spent the day doing a Christmas photoshoot with our sweet donkey Ramona and my daughter Zia, and it quickly became more than just capturing images—it became a reflection of faith, love, and the true meaning of Christmas.
As Ramona stood quietly beside us, I found myself thinking about the powerful role donkeys hold in the Bible. Scripture tells us that Jesus Christ, our Savior, was carried in His mother Mary’s womb as she traveled by donkey to Bethlehem. That humble journey led to the birth that changed everything. Years later, Jesus would again ride a donkey as He entered Jerusalem—fulfilling prophecy and showing the world that our Savior came not in earthly power, but in humility, peace, and love.
Seeing Zia with Ramona felt like watching that biblical symbolism come to life. Zia’s gentle character with Ramona, and Ramona’s calm nature helped a lot. There is a quiet trust between them—Zia brushing her, talking softly, and Ramona standing patiently, fully present. Their bond is tender and genuine, and it made the photos feel deeply meaningful rather than posed.
Today we also celebrate Noche Buena, a night centered on faith, family, and remembering why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. It’s a time of gratitude, reflection, and joy—often filled with music that tells the Christmas story in its own beautiful way. One song that kept playing in my heart was El Burrito Sabanero, a joyful reminder of the little donkey traveling to Bethlehem. Standing next to Ramona, with Zia smiling beside her, it felt incredibly fitting—as if that song had stepped off the radio and into our lives.
These photos represent more than a holiday moment. They reflect our faith, our belief that Jesus is our Savior, and the beauty of teaching that truth to the next generation through love, animals, and simple moments together.
This Christmas, Ramona gave us more than pictures—she gave us a living reminder of the Bible, of humility, and of the incredible story of our Savior. And that is a gift I will always treasure. ✨
To see more of this photoshoot click here.