When I think back to my childhood, one of the most vivid memories isn’t Christmas as many know it, but Noche Buena. We didn’t celebrate December 25th as much as the night before it—December 24th, the most festive and joyful evening of the year. Noche Buena was more than a celebration; it was a cultural tradition rooted in family, food, and pure, unfiltered joy.

The Magic of Noche Buena

Growing up, we didn’t stay indoors around a Christmas tree. Instead, we moved the party outside—literally. My family would bring our furniture out into the yard, turning it into an open-air celebration under the stars. The night was alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses (though, of course, not for me—I was just a kid!).

We’d feast on delicious food, run wild with the neighborhood kids, and—don’t judge us—sneak into neighboring yards to steal fruit. 🍊😂 Looking back, it wasn’t just the abundance of food or the lively music that made Noche Buena special—it was the togetherness, the laughter, and the collective joy that radiated from every corner.

The Soundtrack of the Season

There was one song that became synonymous with the holidays: El Burrito Sabanero. To this day, I can sing the lyrics word for word. Each year, my sister and I would pull out the disc player that either my mamá or one of our uncles had gifted us, and we’d play that song on repeat. It became a holiday anthem, a melody that instantly transported us into the magic of the season.

Even now, whenever I hear those familiar notes, I’m flooded with memories of dancing in the yard, surrounded by the warmth of family and the excitement of the season.

No Gifts, Just Connection

Unlike the commercialized Christmas I’ve come to know as an adult, gifts weren’t a part of our Noche Buena. This night was all about connection—sharing food, stories, and laughter with family and friends. The only time we exchanged gifts was on El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day).

For children, this day was pure magic. The night before, my sister and I would leave grass and water for the camels of the three wise men, imagining their long journey through the desert to bring gifts to kids like us. The next morning, the excitement of finding our toys was matched only by the quiet competition we had with our neighbors. We’d line up outside, subtly showing off our new treasures, comparing who got the “best” toys. Toxic? Maybe. But at the time, it was just innocent fun that added to the holiday magic.

Holding On to the Joy

As I reflect on these memories, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the joy and simplicity of those celebrations. The laughter, the music, the unspoken bond of community—it’s something I cherish deeply. But I also recognize that some aspects, like the quiet competition over toys, are traditions I’m happy to leave in the past.

Instead, I choose to hold on to the pure happiness and togetherness of those moments. That’s what Noche Buena was truly about: being present, celebrating life, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

What about you? Do you have any unique holiday traditions from your childhood? Let’s celebrate the joy of the season together—share your favorite memories in the comments!