How to Celebrate a Peruvian Christmas

If you are tired of the same old figgy pudding, egg nog and Christmas goose fare and have had your fill of songs about reindeer, snow and chestnuts, why not add some spice to your next Christmas holiday gathering by celebrating the way the Peruvians do in South America. Host a Noche Buena.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Retablos (nativity scene)
• Tree
• Gifts
• Wine
• Turkey
• Paneton
• Fireworks (optional)

1. Decorate your home with bright, vivid colors of red, green, purple and blue. In Perus, Retablos (nativity scenes) are tradition. No home has just one and they are always the prominent fixture. Christmas trees laden with traditional gourd ornaments are a must have and it's the place where all gifts are gathered and displayed.

2. Your menu will need to include the traditional tamal, which is a corn meal shell, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until tender. Most tamals are filled with meat or poultry but may also include olives, nuts, and local cheeses. To be a true Peruvian tamal, you will have to add a lot of pepper to spice things up. The menu should also include a roasted turkey or pork spiced with Aji Panca. Check with your local bakery for paneton, a fruit filled bread that is a must have and make sure you have plenty of wine on hand for the course of the evening.

3. Noche Buena begins late on December 24th with the opening of presents. At midnight, during the meal, a toast will be made honoring the birth of Baby Jesus. Traditional Peruvian Christmas celebrations last well into the morning of December 25th so make sure your guests have plenty of food and drink to usher in Christmas Day.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your local bakery for paneton.
• Make sure you get plenty of sleep prior to December 24th.