1. A Venezuelan Christmas By Marissa and Sammy

2. T’was the night before Christmas, as the family prepared, “For the Noche Buena celebration!” Jose proudly declared.

3. “Mass will be starting at 12 o’clock sharp! We must hurry up it’s already dark!” Every morning they have met at the church together, missing no day since the 16 th of December. The family would gather after all at one house, leaving no room for even a mouse.

4. At home they serve “hallacas for all who wish to come, there’s no food to be left, not even a crumb. Jose likes pan de jamon, and dulce de lechoza, his favorite dish of brown sugar and papaya.

5. In the house there stands a Christmas tree, but most important of all is the nativity scene. This nacimiento has great meaning to them, as it depicts the manger in Bethlehem.

6. After misa de gallo, or midnight mass, it is Jesus who brings gifts in the morning at last.

7. Noche Buena– Christmas Eve Misa de gallo– midnight mass Christmas masses– every morning from December 16 th - December 24 th Hallacas– dinner of -------- Pan de jamon– long bread filled with ham and raisins Dulce de lechoza– dessert of green papaya and brown sugar. Nacimiento– nativity scene Jesus brings gifts– instead of Santa