My Favorite Celebration: Christmas

Christmas is my favorite cultural celebration for many reasons. In Colombia, we celebrate Christmas throughout December, but the most important days are December 24th and 25th. On Christmas Eve, families gather at home to enjoy a big dinner, which usually includes dishes like lechona (stuffed roasted pork) and buñuelos (fried cheese balls). We also drink natilla, a sweet custard dessert that is very traditional. One of the most exciting parts of the celebration is La Nochebuena, where everyone stays up until midnight to open presents and celebrate together. We also play music, dance, and sometimes set off fireworks, which fill the air with bright colors and loud sounds. In addition, many families participate in Las Novenas, a tradition where people pray and sing Christmas songs for nine nights before Christmas. Since moving to the U.S., I still try to celebrate with my friends and family by preparing traditional Colombian food and listening to festive music. The celebration is marked by the sight of bright colors, the sound of fireworks, and the smell of traditional foods like lechona, buñuelos, and natilla . In conclusion, Christmas is a special time because it brings families together and creates beautiful memories every year.