If you’re a Filipino, it’s impossible for you not to hear the term Noche Buena. No matter the situation, whether good or bad, Filipino families will always do their best to celebrate Christmas with their families through Noche Buena. This practice came from the Spaniards, which we adopted after being colonized by them. What’s interesting to note is that they celebrate it during dinner time on December 24th (Christmas Eve). However, Filipinos traditionally celebrate it at midnight, which is already Christmas Day. Apparently, only less than 5 countries celebrate it this way, making the Filipino Noche Buena distinct from many countries with the same practice.
If you haven’t tried preparing or organizing your family’s midnight feast, why not try it this year? Here are some pointers to help you put together a memorable Noche Buena:
1. Have a centerpiece. – Like all celebrations, having a centerpiece food item will make your spread look more cohesive and put together. This depends on your family’s typical Noche Buena menu. If the family members enjoy having a main course, lechon or roast chicken is usually the main point. However, if your family leans more towards light eating, ham, cheese, or a light pasta can be your centerpiece.
2. Prepare a hot drink. – While most people also celebrate it with wine or other liquor, tsokolate is actually the most popular Christmas drink. And for good reason. It feels like a hug during the chilly December weather. This is perfect especially for kids.
3. Don’t forget staple Filipino treats. – Usually, there are typical family members assigned for this. But since we are in the middle of a pandemic, some of them may not be there to celebrate together physically. But it doesn’t mean we have to skip on macaroni salad and leche flan on Noche Buena.
4. Have a healthy dish on the side. – Let’s face it. Christmas season is also the season to unapologetically go on a cheat week on our fitness plans and dreams. Still, throw in a veggie or green food item, like a garden salad, to strike a balance with the sumptuous but sinful food items.
5. Don’t stress! – If you’re already overwhelmed thinking about all the dishes you have to prepare for Noche Buena, relax. This year, why not order party food trays in Davao? A lot of food places offer Davao food trays through their websites, such as Xpress Eats, or third-party apps like FoodPanda and GrabFood. Xpress Eats will deliver delicious party food platters in Davao without needing to order way ahead. You can simply go to their website, place your order, and anywhere in Davao, online food platters will be instantly delivered hot and fresh to your doorstep.
With these points in mind, we hope you can put together a Noche Buena that will make the family take a break from all the challenges 2020 had for all of us.
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