December 24, 2013
Merry Christmas Eve!
First, from Suzy and I, we wish each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Whatever your beliefs, religion, etc. I hope this finds you and your family in the best of health and spirit (for those of you who do not celebrate Christmas).
Christmas is just a little different here and I wanted to share. As for us, we will not get to celebrate it like the locals do as Suzy works tonight.
My friends here have explained to me how Christmas is celebrated and it sounds cool. It is called Nochebuena. I have attached its definition from Wikipedia.
"In the Philippines, the traditional dinner comes at midnight after the family has attended the late evening Mass known as Misa de Gallo. Some of the more conventional dishes served for the main course include: lechón, pancit, sweet-tasting spaghetti, fried chicken, hamón, quezo de bola, arroz caldo, lumpia, turkey, relyenong bangus (stuffed milkfish), adobo, steamed rice, and various breads including pan de sal. Desserts include úbe halayá, bibingka, membrilyo, fruit salad,
and various different rice and flour-based cakes, ice cream, pastries
and fruits, while popular beverages include the seasonal tsokolate as well as coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, and fruit juices."
Lechon is roast pork and very good. We do have a ham and the fixings for the sweet spaghetti, fruit salad and some of the others. We also will make stuffing.
As part of Nochebuena, presents are after the dinner. Obviously as Suzy is working, our Christmas will be a little more American-traditional. I will call my parents around 9 am my time, we will make a Christmas breakfast casserole, unwrap gifts, and then in the afternoon, have our big dinner.
One difference here is that it looks like all stores and restaurants will be open. Things will open later, but looks like by Noon its business as usual.
So again, Merry Christmas to all,
Chuck and Suzy U.
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