November 25, 2005
And so, the preparations begin...
Ah yes. Noche Buena. That day of days we Cubans so cherish. Lechon, music, drinks. The family all together and full of Christmas cheer. Gifts under the Christmas tree. To Cubans, the Christmas Eve celebration is, by far, the biggest and best party of the year.
This year we're holding Noche Buena at our home. Family is flying in from out of town. Both Maggie's and my family spending the day together along with all of our friends, enjoying each other's company. Dancing, drinking Crema de vie. Munching on turrones and other delicacies. It's gonna be great.
Gonna be.
The next three weeks or so, however, arent necessarily that great. At least for me. Ill be in full Noche Buena preparation mode. The house must be ready and in full Noche Buena celebration regalia.
Toilets must be working properly. Doors must be freshly painted. Hints have already been tossed about how that bathroom paint color is so last year. The yard must be botanically perfect. Poinsettias must be planted. Christmas lights must be installed. Pool deck must be pressure washed and painted. The Caja China must be removed from its cozy home in the back of the shed and prepped. Pig must be ordered. Menu must be planned. Outdoor canopies must be built. Decorations bought and put up. Tables and chairs must be procured. Dozens of trips to Home Depot must be made.
Ah yes. Noche Buena. A logistic nightmare, but one hell of a party.
You are all invited.
And now, I must be off. Ive got work to do. Lots of it. It's a good thing I have the day off.
Posted by Val Prieto at November 25, 2005 07:21 AM
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Comments
Val,
Thanks for such a generous invite to your family's Nochebuena celebrations. I'm making my flight reservations today!
Can I presume I can occupy your backyard shed while the Caja China is busy elsewhere?
Feliz Navidad a todos!
Julio
Posted by: Julio C. Zangroniz at November 25, 2005 08:04 AM
Val, you devil, you! Are you trying to set a trap via your invite for lil' ol' kagaSStroficus? If so, I wanna be there with mah trusty 'ol .58 cal rifle-musket-backed up by mah trusty 'ol 30-06...
Posted by: Alberto Quiroga at November 25, 2005 09:32 AM
Alberto, shoot him the arm he broke first. Lots of pain. Then we can carry him to place him in the second caja china. :-)
Posted by: George L. Moneo at November 25, 2005 11:45 AM
BRILLIANT!
Posted by: Alberto Quiroga at November 25, 2005 12:12 PM
Val,
Thanks for the invitation, so expect about 30 or more from my family! Just kidding bro, we will be there in spirit!!!!
Posted by: Alfredo at November 25, 2005 01:07 PM
Sounds like a lot of work, man. I feel for you.
I'm really glad you don't expect me to do anything but show up and eat.
I want to make a contribution, though. I thought I'd bring a couple of doughnuts. I hope I can resist eating them in the car on the way over.
Posted by: Steve H. at November 25, 2005 02:01 PM
I feel your pain Val. I'll also be doing a lot of what you described. It's all worth it in the end.
Posted by: Robert at November 25, 2005 04:15 PM
coño val ...invitame asere..deja el abuso yo llevo los lagues no hay craneo.me avisas que si la gasolina sube de nuevo hasta en bicicleta me voy.
Posted by: tocororo_libre at November 25, 2005 06:00 PM
Well, this happens to be my first comment here, been a long time reader and I like this Blog, as I Have an "Aunt" (not really related to me but she is sooo close to the family I Happen to consider her one)who immigrated from Cuba soo I used to go with mom over to have Noche Buena, I had good memories.
Perhaps one day I will have one of my own
Posted by: Mike at November 26, 2005 03:40 AM
