Feliz Navidad , by illustrator Luis Garay.

Christmas to me is much more meaningful when spent in my native country, with my family and extended family.

Nicaragua is for the most part a catholic country and the celebration of Christmas is a very important part of our culture. Through centuries Nicaraguans have made of Christmas a very special celebration, full of tradition.

The houses are decorated with Christmas trees and lots of red, white and green ornaments. Starting at around 7 or 8 pm the families begin to gather, talking and sharing stories, savoring appetizers and drinks, waiting for the special Christmas dinner that is served later in the evening. The meal served in our home (and most  homes) is the famous gallina rellena/pollo relleno, accompanied by rice, mashed potatoes, salad and special sauces. After that comes a special dessert, only served at Christmas time, called sopa borracha, a kind of pie that is soaked in a concoction of melted sugar, water, cinnamon, and a little rum and wine.

Following the meal and dessert, many families go to the Christmas Eve service at church, and at midnight they wish all their family members, neighbors and friends a Feliz Navidad  (which in most of the country happens to the happy sound of fireworks).

Back at home, before they go to bed, children write a message for Niño Dios (Baby Jesus) asking for gifts. When they wake up in the morning it's time to open all the gifts left for them under the tree. Then it's time to go around showing off the new toys to friends and neighbors, which makes Christmas day a continuation of the celebrations of the day before. More family time, more delicious food, more traditions...

Posted December 2005