The 25th of December is the most exciting day of the year for everyone! Well, not everyone. Hispanics celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December, which for most is known as Christmas Eve, but they know it as “Nochebuena”. It is celebrated this day because it’s a Catholic belief that Jesus was born on the night of the 24th. Many traditions are done on this day, along with a special dinner and opening Christmas gifts. On this day, it is remembered that there’s more to Christmas than what we usually see around us.

Hispanic Christmas celebrations are well-known for their traditions, which have been passed down for many years. Most families start the season with a tradition called Las Posadas, where people reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter by walking through the neighborhood with candles and singing. Food also plays a vital role in Hispanic culture during this holiday. Dishes like tamales, lechon, and arroz con dulce can bring everyone together to enjoy these delicious meals. Music and dancing are big for Hispanics in general. At any party you go to, you will hear music and see people getting up to dance. This is all part of the Hispanic Christmas fun.

On the biggest event of the year, known as Nochebuena, there is a large feast with a lot of delicious food. Some people often follow with a midnight Mass. Other people wait until midnight to open their gifts. This is a perfect time to catch up with family and remember what Christmas is all about. For me personally, on Christmas Eve, I go to my family’s house, and we eat, then we just sit around, and the adults talk for a while. We go home, and I wait til the bright next morning to open my Christmas gifts. Last Christmas, we went to my friend’s house, talked, and ate. A little after, we went to my sister’s house and thought all this me my mom and I were in our matching Christmas pajamas. So as you can see, Christmas Eve and day are a little bit different for everyone.

We should all remember why we celebrate Christmas and understand there’s more to it than just gifts. I love the tradition my family has of going to the same house every year to eat. A Hispanic Christmas is something so special to every Hispanic person’s heart. I personally can’t wait to continue on the traditions with my future family.