My big, fat, Cuban family consists of pretty much the same people year after year. Except for the occasional birth, marriage, or divorce, I'm still related to the same people.
It's still just "us." (Sometimes "us" can get to upwards of 40 people, but that's not important right now.)
We Cubans have our BIG Christmas celebration on December the 24th. Nochebuena. (Which translates to "Good Night.")
For as long as I can remember and many generations before me, my family, like most other Cuban families, look forward to roast pork and black beans and white rice and yuca con mojo and fried plantains on December 24th.
Every year, on December 24th, we celebrate our Nochebuena with that grand-there's-nothing-like-it Cuban feast.
Every year, on December 24th, we get together as one big family and exchange gifts.
Every year, on December 24th, we stay up late and drink Crema de Vie and enjoy the Christmas festivities.
Every year. On December 24th. For as long as I can remember. The date has always been the same. The menu has never varied. Neither has the guest list.
And yet……
I always make invitations. Which I send to the same people I've been related to all my life. Who have been celebrating Nochebuena on December the 24th for their entire lives, too. And who all know we'll be getting together for our annual Nochebuena Celebration on December 24th.
Chances are, we've even already discussed where the party is going to be held, too. (This year we're going to my sister, Alina's house.)
And yet…..
I send out invitations. Every year.
Nochebuena, 2006:
Nochebuena, 2007:
Nochebuena, 2009:
Nochebuena, 2010:
And now…..(drum roll, please)……
Nochebuena, 2011:
I'm quite proud of this year's invitations. Aren't they just beautiful? I'm so into the whole "subway art" thing right now. I created them in Photoshop CS5 and uploaded the file to my local Kinko's (excuse me, FedEx Kinkos) so they could print it on coated cardstock.
I'm seriously so very pleased. =D
I just mailed these out to all of my big, fat, Cuban family. Who live just a few miles from me. With whom I've been celebrating Nochebuena for all of my life. On December 24th.
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." ~Albert Einstein
That plate just about made me drool.
You are blessed… in so many ways. Merry Christmas!
You are a genius designer and fabulous Mami!
Love the invitations, Marta, and the food. What a lovely “recuerdo” year after year!
This is the sweetest blog I’ve seen in quite a while! Lovely family and life that you have. Bless y’all.
Hello Marta~ I understand your philosophy behind sending out REAL invitations. I do that too. I’m on a crusade against e-thank you cards, e-invitations, e-Christmas cards, etc. I still love the feeling of holding a REAL card in my hand knowing it was also held by the friend who sent it. I like REAL books too, although my Kindle is perfect for traveling. Your Christmas Eve invites are lovely and I bet your family loves receiving your REAL invitation every year. Sending love, hugs and our very best wishes for a Merry Christmas to you & yours. xoxo Amy (and Desi too!)
You’re sooo easy! 😉
Thanks, mama! That’s high praise coming from you!xoxo,
M
Gracias, Maria! I can almost see it on canvas…..*hint* 😉
Hi Lara,Thanks for the kind words and I hope you make yourself at home here.
My blog-casa is your blog-casa!
Besos,
Marta
Amy, my dear friend!It’s almost as if we share a brain!
I’ll take your love, hugs, and best wishes for a Merry Christmas and raise you a Happy New Year! =D
Besotes to you and Desi *sigh*,
Marta
Marta..such beautiful invites..I LOVE them…and your 2010… my dear queen blogger…very talented artist… friend!
Thank you, Tamera!I’m so glad to know you. You totally inspire me!
xoxo,
Marta