For all of you who thought our Christmas lights were still shining brightly on our home because we are too lazy to take them down, sorry to disappoint.....
As you know, Chino was born in Puerto Rico, a country( actually, a US commonwealth) rich with tradition. We decided we wanted our children to carry on some of those traditions. So, our holiday season is extended beyond that of many of our friends.
Christmas day marks the first of the 12 days of Christmas leading toward the day of Epiphany ( Jan. 6) when the three Kings visited the Christ Child with their gifts.
We celebrate with a feast of the Three Kings on the Eve of Three King's day which includes many of the foods Chino grew up loving!!
Pernil (Pork picnic roast)
Fried Plantains
Arroz Gandules
Arroz con dulce
I am sure that it is not as good as his motherused to make. However, Chino realizes there are some comprimises to be made when you marry a white girl. It is the effort that counts, right? Actually, Chino did most of the work on our meal this year so... it tasted especially wonderful!
After dinner, the children fill boxes with hay, straw, grass or.... this year with lettuce and carrots too for the Wise Men's camels. They place these boxes at the foot of their beds and while they are sleeping, the wise men visit and leave a gift for them.
This is both an exciting and frustrating experience for the kids because, they usually are back in school by this holiday and have a hard time concentrating on school work when they know they have a new gift at home waiting to be enjoyed!
We're glad we have one more holiday to remember the true meaning of the season, to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Happy Three Kings Day Everyone!
5 comments:
I think that's great you and Chino do this Michelle. How wonderful to teach them what heritage they come from. The food look delicious...MMMM.
That's totally cool! I think it's great that you teach the girls their father's culture...and that you honor him by celebrating!
I loved hearing about this. Our lights are still up because we just had the Holt Christmas on Saturday the 3rd. Hopefully they'll come down this weekend. However, I still love having my house lit inside at night. I may leave my small trees up all year.
Next year we'll have to try to stick around for this holiday too. : ) Yours might not taste like Chino's moms, but it's always t.d. : )
your awesome Chelle :)
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