It’s Noche Buena

Christmas Eve throughout the years. To see this Christmas Eve’s photos, follow me on Instagram: @rev.mercy.ceremonies

If you’re Latina, Latino, or Latinx like me, you know that Noche Buena, “The Good Night,” or Christmas Eve, is the night we really celebrate.  In my Cuban family, that is certainly the case.  Every year we look forward to the same mouth-watering foods:  lechon (Cuban roast pork) or my mom’s pork ribs, congrí (rice and beans cooked together), yuca con mojo (yucca or cassava with a garlic marinade), empanadas, and turron for dessert (almond nougat candies from Spain), among other things. 

While growing up, this was mainly at our house, with a couple of guests.  Sometimes it was at my or my brother’s godparents’ house.  When we got older, and my parents moved to Tampa, Florida, Noche Buena was in the backyard of my dad’s cousin Beba’s house.  The roast pork was an entire pig in a “caja china” (a roasting box), and there was a table with a deep fryer that was endlessly going with the empanadas.

Now my parents live in Vegas and Noche Buena is often at my brother's house, just a few minutes away.  This year there will be very little cooking.  We’re ordering dinner, so that will be a change.  My parents are much older now, my dad in his 80s and my mom fast approaching him.  This was my parents’ wish, so we’re going with it, even though we had volunteered to cook.  I, for one, am famous for my empanadas—both picadillo (a ground meat filling) and guava with cream cheese.

As I write this, I’m listening to Motown Christmas music, which is my favorite, while my mom giftwraps presents, and my dad watches Jeopardy, soon to be followed by Wheel of Fortune.  The traditions are changing, but many things remain the same.  We are together.  We laugh at certain memories, we get annoyed with each other, we watch TV, we eat.  A lot. 

My husband Tarik, having been raised Muslim, hadn’t really eaten much pork until he came over to my parents’ house for his first Noche Buena.  He exclaimed after his first bite of lechon, “Where have you been all my life?” and “I’ve been grossly misinformed about pork.” 

He couldn’t be with us this year because he had to work. Although I’m sure he doesn’t miss being surrounded by Christmas this year, I know for sure he’s missing the pork. He and I have plans to come visit again in the spring. We’re making these efforts to visit because although I may not know how much longer my parents will be around, I know that it is not likely for much longer. 

Anyway, all of this is to say that I wish you and your familia a happy holiday season.  While you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, baby blessing, or simply your goals for the new year, remember to slow down and be present for the holiday season.  Life passes us by very quickly.  Pay attention to the little details and be present for everyone you talk to and every moment you share with them.  Tell someone you love them.  Try to laugh at all the ridiculous things that usually annoy you, if you can, but also establish clear boundaries where you need them. I know it’s not always easy, but nothing truly worth your time, effort, and care is easy.

Sending you peace and all the love in the world.

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What are you doing for the holidays this year? Feel free to share in the comments below. I’d love to know.