Noche Buena

I grew up celebrating Christmas with a mix of cultures and traditions. My Mom’s side of the family is Cuban and celebrated what we call Noche Buena {or Nochebuena}, which is December 24th. In a nut shell, on Christmas Eve, the family would gather and feast. Then, at midnight Christmas day, gifts were exchanged and opened. I’m not sure I ever 100% believed in Santa {other than when I was very young and can’t remember}. The evening is meant to be all about family and food; a celebration of loved ones. Focus was not paid to rushing off to bed, with Christmas pajamas, waiting for Santa’s arrival. Noche Buena has distinct difference from American Christmas Eve traditions.

Since we are celebrating our first Christmas in the new house, I decided that it was time to begin incorporating my own Noche Buena in my family’s holiday tradition by cooking up a traditional Cuban feast. It was actually the first meal I’ve cooked in my new kitchen! {Sadly, its been take out or frozen meals thus far. Yuck!} I think that’s pretty special.

We had a simple Cuban salad, rice and black beans, and lechon asado. I planned on making platanitos fritos, but the plantains at our supermarket weren’t ripe enough and I didn’t have time to head down to the Latino market. So they had to go. I even made my very first flan all by myself. I did cheat a bit though. More on that some other time

After dinner, Alina put on her Christmas jammies and opened a few presents. We would never keep a toddler up till midnight, and even though the evening was over by 9pm we still enjoyed the spirit of Noche Buena in our home. It was awesome to have my family over for dinner and incorporate a bit of my Cuban traditions onto my child’s lives. I hope we continue this tradition in future years.

Since we have been so busy with closing on the new house, Alina didn’t get to see Santa this year. Lamest excuse of the year? Ya, pretty much. I suck. But at least she got a picture of the picture of her Santa visit from last year! I actually think the picture turned out pretty adorable, and I will incorporate into our photo memories somehow. Oh, and the garland and tree skirt didn’t make it out of storage either. I’m telling you… my nose is barely above water these days!

Even if not picture perfect, we had a great Christmas. I sincerely hope each of you had a wonderful holiday as well! Now lets bring it on, 2012!