What do pernil (pork shoulder), arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas) and pasteles (patties) have in common?

They bring my family to the table on Christmas Day!

At the table, along with these and many other traditional foods, are prayer, laughter, joy, story-telling and reflection on those who have gone to be with our Lord. Traditional Puerto Rican Christmas music follows the meal with accompaniment by us with maracas, el guiro and palitos (traditional puerto rican instruments).

At the center of it all, is the Christian faith that was passed on to us by my parents. We celebrate our Savior’s birth by being with each other at the table.

Feliz Navidad!