Tag: Christmas

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I Enjoy Giving

When are you most happy?

When I think back to my fondest memories they all involve moments where I had little resources, yet somehow managed to give gifts, prizes, books, meals, etc., to others. It always makes me think about one of my greatest desires and carry overs from childhood–teaching people how to fish. Showing by example that they have what they need when they look around. Teaching the blessing of small things and watching it grow to big things, is one of life’s joys for me.

In 2019  I said I wanted to be a philanthropist. I was inspired by all the art I was making and I felt I could do anything. I still believe that. Some people may say, you can’t be a philanthropist and be a regular person. But I believe those are the best ones. They show others that you don’t need big infrastructure for a big heart, or even big giving. Things can always grow later on. But there is so much need in the world. It’s nice to be able to stay fluid and watch others smile.

I also like to simply live my life and share parts of it. I know that when people encounter a person just living differently sometimes it’s the greatest inspiration.

It’s the gift of small things. Kind of like the Christmas cookies we baked with my daughter on Christmas. They already came with a Santa Face printed on them. Simple and delicious. Did I make the dough from scratch and carefully do everything? No.  Could I? Absolutely. I can do quite a few things but I have my own season I am stepping into. I am loosening my Martha Stewart style vice grip on domesticity and spreading out creatively.

The good news is that she made cookies with the neighbor and with her grandmother. One for Noche Buena and the other for Christmas. So there was love all around.

Maybe that’s another thing to consider giving. Maybe sharing those closest to you. Maybe it’s sharing time and even sharing space.

When I am giving I also get a bit tired, and I am learning that little dab is great. I don’t need to give the entire kit and caboodle. For me, the most important thing is building a life. It doesn’t take as much as you might think depending on your goals.

But back to sharing and giving:

What do you find the hardest to share? Time Space? Money? I would love to know.

Happy Holidays. May peace be upon you.

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Merry Christmas To All

Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas.

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An Executive Decision: A Little Extra Family Time For The Holidays


The holiday season just got cozier! Here are the deets:

Thanks to a presidential announcement that  many federal executive departments and agencies will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve) and Friday, December 26, 2025, in addition to Christmas Day itself.

Gosh, any day off the road, off the clock and in my pajamas with my snacks and movies is a win-win situation.


Of course, not everyone gets the full break. Essential workers and certain agencies may still be open depending on their mission. But overall, it’s a cheerful reminder that even the federal government enjoys a good holiday pause now and then.


Whether this affects you directly or you just love a reason to celebrate, consider this your official permission slip to slow down and soak up the season.

Tonight, I will be initiating my first Noche Buena dinner to the driest crowd around–my kids. They just want to skip Mass and dinner and go straight to the gift opening.

All of my presents are wrapped and under the tree (except a few from Santa!) so it’s just decisions about what to watch while the world takes a breather.

Here are some beloved Christmas classics from a variety of traditions to keep movie night merry and bright:


It’s a Wonderful Life – A heartfelt reminder of kindness and community.


Home Alone – Classic chaos, laughs, and holiday nostalgia.


Elf – Pure joy, sugar, and Buddy the Elf energy.


African American Holiday Classics
The Preacher’s Wife – Warm, romantic, and full of soul.


This Christmas – Family, drama, love, and holiday music. (Love this one!)


Almost Christmas – Big family vibes with big laughs.

Latino Holiday Favorites


Nothing Like the Holidays – A Puerto Rican-American family navigating love and tradition.


Merry Kiss Cam – Cozy, festive, and lighthearted.


Navidad en Vivo – Music-filled and joyful for the season. (A good one)

Lastly, you can’t have Christmas Eve without cookies. Here is a quick and easy recipe for Snickerdoodles:

Easy Holiday Cookie Recipe: Cozy Snickerdoodles


1 cup butter (softened)
1½ cups sugar
2 eggs
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon (for rolling)
How to Make Them
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Beat in eggs.
Mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt separately.
Combine wet and dry ingredients.
Roll dough into balls.
Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar.
Bake 8–10 minutes until just golden.
Cool, grab milk, and enjoy!
Here’s to slower days, fuller cookie plates, and movie marathons that last well past bedtime.


Happy Holidays from all of us at CAM.

Felicidades!

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Celebrate Nochebuena: A Guide to Festive Traditions

Christmas dinner spread

By Chiara Luz

cooked meat on the table
Photo by Cleo Vergara on Pexels.com

The holidays are all about joy and togetherness—but sometimes things can get a little not so traditional on the traditional holiday, especially when family dynamics and co-parenting are in the mix. But don’t forget to breathe, you’ve got options. With a little creativity, you can keep the season merry while honoring your traditions.

My Story

Growing up, Christmas Eve dinner was the centerpiece of the holiday in my family—a night of warmth, laughter, and anticipation. After my mom remarried we didn’t keep it going. Dad was from the south, so regular Christmas dinner it was! But in Puerto Rico the Caribbean and many cultures throughout the globe, NocheBuena is a cherished tradition. Admittedly we just focused on a nice ham, rice and peans and things like that and even attended church. However, across the globe this is a really big deal. Here’s how different cultures make December 24th unforgettable:

Spain & Latin America – Nochebuena

Families gather late at night for a festive feast, often followed by Misa de Gallo (midnight mass).
Signature dishes: Roasted pork (lechón), tamales, bacalao, romeritos, and sweet treats like buñuelos. Drinks include ponche and coquito.

Italy – La Vigilia

Known for the Feast of the Seven Fishes, Italian families abstain from meat and enjoy a lavish seafood dinner.
Signature dishes: Baccalà (salted cod), calamari, clams, and pasta with seafood.

Poland – Wigilia

A symbolic meal with 12 meatless dishes, starting when the first star appears. Families share oplatek wafers and blessings before dinner.
Signature dishes: Pierogi, beet soup (barszcz), carp, and poppy seed desserts.

France – Réveillon de Noël

A grand late-night feast featuring luxurious dishes.
Signature dishes: Oysters, foie gras, roasted meats, and bûche de Noël (Yule log cake).

Portugal – Consoada

Families gather for a traditional supper steeped in Catholic tradition.
Signature dishes: Salted cod (bacalhau), boiled potatoes, and seasonal sweets.

Exotic coconut porridge beans mango
Exotic coconut porridge beans mango by Jakub Kapusnak is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

Scandinavia – Julbord

In Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, Christmas Eve dinner includes a smorgasbord of hearty dishes.
Signature dishes: Pickled herring, ham, meatballs, and rice pudding.

Philippines – Nochebuena

A vibrant celebration after midnight mass, filled with family and festive cheer.
Signature dishes: Lechon (roast pig), queso de bola, ham, and sweet desserts.

Why Christmas Eve?
For many Catholic and Orthodox traditions, Christmas Eve marks the vigil before Christ’s birth, making it a spiritually significant time for family gatherings and feasting.

Tip: If you celebrate Christmas Eve dinner, share your favorite dish or tradition in the comments! What makes this night special for you?

Christmas dinner spread
Christmas dinner spread by mdburnette is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

Nochebuena Menu Plan

Main Dish

Pineapple-Glazed Christmas Ham (Hamon de Bola)

  • Why: A classic centerpiece that feels celebratory and sweet.
  • Prep Tip: Start marinating the ham in pineapple juice the night before for maximum flavor.
  • Recipe link

Side Dishes

  1. Ensalada Nochebuena (Mexican Christmas Eve Salad)
    • A colorful mix of lettuce, beets, jicama, apples, oranges, peanuts, and pomegranate seeds.
    • Prep Tip: Chop veggies in the morning and refrigerate; assemble just before serving.
    • Recipe link
  2. Filipino Sweet-Style Spaghetti
    • Sweet tomato sauce with ground meat and hotdogs, topped with cheese.
    • Prep Tip: Cook the sauce ahead and reheat before dinner.
    • Recipe link

Dessert

Dulce de Noche Buena (Colombian Dessert Platter)

  • Includes candied papaya, figs, buñuelos, hojuelas, and cheese.
  • Prep Tip: Make buñuelos and hojuelas early in the day; store in an airtight container.
  • Recipe link

Drink

Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog)

  • Creamy coconut drink with condensed milk, rum, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Prep Tip: Chill for at least 4 hours before serving for the best flavor.
  • Recipe link

✅ Prep Timeline

  • Day Before: Marinate ham, prep dessert components, and make coquito.
  • Morning of: Chop salad ingredients, cook spaghetti sauce, and fry buñuelos.
  • Evening: Bake ham, assemble salad, boil pasta, and set up dessert platter.

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Deck The Halls With Gingerbread Walls: Plus, The 14th Century Recipe!

By Chiara Luz

This past weekend I picked up a gingerbread house from Costco. It was too sweet of a deal to pass up at only $13.99. A little girl who was with her mom saw it in my cart and said, “A gingerbread house, Mom—no fair!” Her mother started to head over to the aisle after I told her the price.

I had fun putting it together with my daughter. There were some gingerbread people in the front of the house that seem to have gone missing (hmm) — I wonder how that happened! But I love making traditions with my family. I actually did not grow up putting together a gingerbread house, but a friend from my kid’s Catholic school kept giving me a kit and I finally got into it. If you are looking for a fun, no-stress activity, this is it. Plus, the icing is yummy.

How Did Gingerbread Houses Become a Christmas Thing?

Gingerbread dates back to medieval Europe, where it was a luxury treat made with honey and exotic spices. The first recorded English recipe appeared in 1390 in The Forme of Cury, written by the cooks of King Richard II.

A page from late 14th-century manuscript in the John Rylands Library, Manchester[a]

The idea of building houses from gingerbread started in 16th-century Germany, inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. Side note: as a child my mom used to read me these very scary Grimm’s fairy tales as a kid. I think they liked to scare kids in the 80s. But anyway, German bakers turned this into an art form, and immigrants later brought the tradition to America. Today, decorating gingerbread houses is a festive way to combine creativity, sweetness, and family fun.

The Original Gingerbread Recipe (14th Century)

This medieval version was more like a spiced honey candy than a cookie:

Ingredients:

  • 1 quart honey
  • Saffron (for color)
  • Powdered pepper
  • Grated bread (to thicken)
  • Powdered cinnamon
  • Optional: sandalwood (for red coloring)
  • Cloves (for decoration)

Instructions:

  1. Boil the honey and skim it clean.
  2. Add saffron and powdered pepper.
  3. Stir in grated bread until thick enough to slice.
  4. Sprinkle cinnamon on top.
  5. Shape into squares or slices.
  6. Decorate with box leaves and cloves; color red with sandalwood if desired.

This treat was served at feasts and cut into diamonds—sweet, chewy, and spiced, a far cry from today’s molasses-based cookies!

So if you’re looking for a cozy holiday tradition, grab a kit, gather your loved ones, and make your own sweet memories.

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Christmas Traditions: Nigeria vs. Western Celebrations

By Haven Adisa

The other day, my daughter came home from school with tears in her eyes. Her classmates had told her, “There’s no Santa Claus.” She looked at me, searching for answers, and in that moment, I realized this was more than a question about a man in a red suit—it was about the magic and meaning of Christmas.

So, I sat her down and told her the truth: Santa Claus is real—but not in the way you think. He lives in the spirit of generosity, kindness, and joy that has been part of Christmas for centuries.

Christmas Didn’t Start Right Away

People often assume Christmas has been celebrated since the birth of Christ. In reality, it wasn’t an early Christian holiday. According to historical records, celebrations of Christ’s birth began around 200 AD, and by the 4th century, churches agreed on December 25 as the official date. Why that date? Some link it to the Roman festival Saturnalia, others to Jewish traditions. Over time, elements from pagan winter festivals—like gift-giving, greenery, and feasting—blended into Christmas.

Traditions That Shaped Christmas

  • Nativity Scenes: St. Francis of Assisi introduced the first crèche in 1223, making the Nativity central to Christmas.
  • Christmas Trees: Originating from pagan symbols of life, they became a sign of hope and eternity. Early gifts were hung on trees before moving under them.
  • Holly & Yule Logs: Holly symbolized everlasting life and Christ’s crown of thorns; Yule logs came from old customs of sharing warmth.
  • Santa Claus: Rooted in St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for secret acts of charity. Dutch settlers brought his tradition to America, evolving into the jolly Santa we know today.

Christmas in Nigeria: Vibrant and Joyful

In Nigeria, Christmas is a family-centered celebration filled with color and music:

  • Family Reunions: Many travel to ancestral villages for big gatherings.
  • Church Services: Worship and carols are central on Christmas Day.
  • Festive Meals: Jollof rice, pounded yam, goat meat, and “small chops” like puff-puff and samosas.
  • Fashion: Coordinated Ankara outfits—families compete for the most stylish look!
  • Father Christmas: Children eagerly await gifts from Baba Christmas, often at parties or community events.
  • Decorations: Homes, malls, and streets sparkle with lights and ornaments.

How Does This Compare to Western Traditions?

  • Family: Both cultures value togetherness, but Nigeria emphasizes large village reunions.
  • Food: Western tables feature turkey and pies; Nigerian feasts are spicy and diverse.
  • Fashion: Cozy sweaters in the West vs. bold, elegant attire in Nigeria.
  • Santa vs. Father Christmas: Sleigh and reindeer vs. dancing in vibrant prints.
  • Decorations: Both love lights and trees, but Nigerian celebrations add music and color everywhere.

One thing I love to do is eat on Christmas. I love to make Jollof rice with a nice crunchy salad and then top it off with a sweet and delicious Puff-Puff. I inherited these recipes, but I will gladly pass them on. They’re like little yummy donuts and they’re great to leave Santa. Here is the recipe:

To make Puff Puff, follow these steps:

  1. Ingredients: You will need flour, sugar, yeast, warm water, salt, and oil for deep frying. 
  2. Mixing: Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add warm water and mix until a smooth batter forms.
  3. Rising: Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size. 
  4. Frying: Heat oil in a deep pan and gently drop small portions of the batter into the oil. Fry until golden brown and puff
  5. Serving: Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, plain, or with sugar or dipping sauces. 
  6. Enjoy your delicious Puff Puff!