Why we do what we do.
/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. ;-)
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. ;-)
(BTW, I think Amy really outdid herself with this segment - with a nod to Chevy Chase and Christmas Vacation. =D)
Feliz Navidad!