We eat roast pig (lechon asado) on Christmas Eve, which we call Noche Buena.
We have yuca with a garlic mojo on the side.
We fight over the fried, ripe plantains.
We hold hands and give thanks to God for his generous provision.
We draw names for a gift exchange, but end up getting little gifts (we call those "regalos de arbol" – or "tree gifts") for most everyone anyway. ๐
We put stockings up on our fireplaces.
We each have a collection of Christmas potholders we hang in our kitchens every year.
My mom used to get Chicken McNuggets for the little kids thinking they wouldn’t want to eat the traditional lechon – they all laugh about what a sweet (but ridiculous!) gesture it was.
We make and give and drink gallons of Creme de Vie. =D
Our desserts include flan, apple pie, turrones, and guava pastries.
We set elaborate tables for Noche Buena.
We make a Christmas video every year. (We’re really proud of that.)
There is always a kids table.
On Christmas day we eat Arroz con Pollo.
Why?
I can answer that in one word:
TRADITION.
Here we celebrate our Cuban Christmas traditions.
Sometimes I think there’s nothing better than being Cuban at this time of year. ๐
(BTW, I think Amy really outdid herself with this segment – with a nod to Chevy Chase and Christmas Vacation. =D)
Feliz Navidad!
class-factotum says
I still miss the Noche Buena parties at Nikki and Mac’s in South Miami with my former boyfriend. It was a big, crazy mess, with the little old Cuban men playing dominoes in Spanish with my boyfriend’s sister in law (also Mac’s sister), who speaks only English, but dominoes cross all the language and cultural barriers. Tons of food, lots of little kids running around, laughter and fun. At Christmas, I definitely wish I were Cuban!
Marc R. Masferrer says
Marta – As my family prepares to celebrate Noche Buena tomorrow, I found myself nodding and smiling at your list of questions. Traditions, indeed. I hope you and your family have a wonderful time. Merry Christmas, and happy new year, my friend. – Marc
Mr. Michael Verdes says
Love the Video… wish I could make it to Noche Buena. Make sure and tell everyone I said hello
nora says
Amy,Watching that lovely video made me cry. I don’t mean tear up and dab, cry, I mean sob like a baby cry. Touching, moving, life and family affirming. Beautiful work. Inspired. You are so blessed to have such a fabulous family. I hope you all have muy Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo. Espero que lo pasen muy felices.
Nora
P.S. Fiddler on the Roof, Amy? I took it personally that you chose a song from a Jewish work of art and made it abundantly clear that Tradition is the universal value of great religions and families. Amen, sister!