Christmas

           

 

 

 

 

Cristina invited me to join her family for Christmas Eve. I didn’t have to show up until 10pm or so. I spent the entire day fretting and feeling anxious. I have never been away from home for the holidays before. My idea of Christmas is so imbedded in my head I felt unlike myself. I almost felt reluctant to try anything different. Who was going to dress up like Santa? Where can I order a Tom and Jerry in Buenos Aires?

            Thankfully I went. I walked into a room with 25 Argentines. Somehow they all managed to fit at one table. I made my rounds and greeted each with a kiss. It wasn’t long before I felt like family and got excited about their take on the holiday. We drank champagne and lit fireworks. The little ones sent lit globes up to Papa Noel.  We didn’t have chocolate steamed pudding or bacon wrapped liver. But just like my family each dish was a tradition. I got a little nerdy and though about all the influences present at the one table.  I had to stop myself from thinking too much about the culture and just enjoy it. I really regret not having my camera. I was encouraged to sample everything.

 

 

 

A comon toast “Arriba,  a bajo, a centro, adentro!” or “up(raise glass), down (lower glass), center (cling glasses), inside (drink)!”. I felt honored when the entire table drank to my health. The toast was later adopted into a game. We had drawn names and bought a present for one other person.

Each present had a clue indicating the sender. One of the aunts read the clues allowed. Three times we chanted “arriba, abajo.” Sitting and standing. On the third sit the giver remains standing to reveal their identity.

I left feeling full and merry.  I realized the customs were unfamiliar but not the sentiments. I considered the night the perfect Christmas gift. It went along with my adopted life motto “Anything can be great if it is done right.” I know how lucky I am to be here.

            The next day I had lunch with Alcira. We worked our way through left over. I’m not sure where she found a turkey in Buenos Aires. She said she wanted something “exotic” for the holidays. I appreciated the traditional fare.

            It was good to catch up. Her family had come the night before. She invited me to her house on the 29^th. In Argentina it is “the day to eat gnocchi.” According tradition everyone places money under their plates. Eating the meal is meant to generate prosperity.  I’m arriving early so she can teach me how to make the potato filled pastas.

 

~ by aedlund on December 28, 2008.