Eva Resz – Loveland, Colorado … Typically, when Americans think of Christmas Day, thoughts of opening an abundance of gifts by the fireplace and spending time with family come to mind. Gingerbread houses, candy canes, eggnog, sledding, and gift exchanges are all a part of many families’ Christmas traditions. This holiday, let’s take a look at some of the diverse traditions and foods that students at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, share with their families.
In Brazil, a common Christmas tradition is Amigo Secreto or “Secret Friend.” Secret Friend is similar to Secret Santa and the person participating gives gifts to their friend for a few weeks before Christmas with an anonymous name attached. On Christmas day they disclose who their Secret Friend was while giving their main gift.
Pedro Vieira reveals that he participates in the Secret Friend and it’s very popular in Brazil. Another slight difference is that, in Brazil, families typically celebrate and open gifts on December 24 at midnight and Christmas day is more of a day to sleep in and barbeque.
Luca Lu explains, “in China, they do not celebrate Christmas the same way it’s celebrated in America.” Usually, Luca spends time with his family and goes to see the Tree of Light. He would make chains with bright paper, but he had never participated in the religious aspect of Christmas until he came to Campion.
Amani Zeru says that his favorite Ethiopian dish to eat is Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew. Amani typically eats this stew during the Christmas season with his family.
Mabel Cabandon’s family has a big party on Christmas day with traditional Indonesian cuisine: Rendang (spicy beef curry), Ikan Bakar (fish with chili), accompanied with a side of rice. A must-have for Mabel is Mi Goreng (fried noodles).
Richy Martel expressed that his favorite thing to do during Christmas is to eat Pozole, a flavorful chicken soup served with corn, cabbage, salsa, lime, and cilantro on top. Another favorite is Tacos de Rez (beef tacos) which originates from Mexico.
Lillian Resz shares that a tradition with her family and friends is a Boodle fight; where banana leaves are laid across the table and Filipino food such as Adobo (the National of the Philippines, typically a chicken stew), Pancit (noodle dish), fish, Lumpia (egg rolls), and rice with sweet and acidic dipping sauces are placed on top of the leaves. The food is then eaten with hands and people “fight” for as much food as they can get before it’s all gone.
Gabriel Balbin shared that his family makes several traditional Peruvian dishes during the holidays. His favorite dessert is something his mom makes every Christmas, Mazamorra Morada, a purple pudding made of fruit and corn seasoned with cinnamon spice. The Balbin family eat and participate in a worship service together to commemorate the holidays.
Every family has different traditions and foods they enjoy sharing during this amazing time of year. Although everyone’s Christmas experience is different, we can learn something new from each other’s diverse experiences and traditions.
—Eva Resz, Campion Student News Team. Photo supplied.
