The holidays have historically been all about tradition. Just as some very special, age-old traditions are honored in the U.S. every Christmas season, so it is in Hispanic countries.

As a Puerto Rican child growing up in Florida, I felt privileged to be able to enjoy the best of both worlds— Santa Claus and Los Reyes Magos.

Every January, I would look forward with great anticipation to the evening I would get to go out to our backyard with a shoebox and pick grass for the camels. It was a simple pleasure that still brings a smile to my face every time I recall those innocent childhood memories.

The times have indeed changed, and while children used to be content in receiving a baby doll or toy cars, kids are more into the electronics on their wish list. Still, the spirit of Día de Reyes is still very much alive in the traditions we keep in our family.

Here are a few ways that, as an adult in the 21st century, I continue to celebrate this holiday with a twist:

• Keep the tree up: My family keeps the Christmas tree out till at least after Three Kings Day. It never gets taken down before then. Día de Reyes is just as important to us as Nochebuena and Christmas Day!
• The gift exchange: While I am now grown up, my parents still always give me a gift— no matter what it is— on Epiphany. Now that I’m an adult, I like to return the gesture with a unique gift of my own. Donations to charitable organizations in my name have become one of my favorite ways to receive a gift that will continue to keep giving long after I “unwrap” it. To me, it exemplifies the humble, giving spirit of the Three Kings. Remember, you can always make donations online with your prepaid card!
• Sharing a meal together: Whether we choose to stay in and cook a meal, or go out for dinner at a restaurant, eating together is a big deal in my family. Our Latino culture is so centered on food— the preparation and sharing of it. Dishes aside, it’s a wonderful time to sit and reflect together on why we celebrate the holidays, and a way to catch up on family news.
• Listening to or playing music: I grew up with an extended family of musicians, so traditional and contemporary Latin music is in my veins. Whether we are sitting in a circle singing parranda favorites, or belting out romantic ballads with the help of a karaoke machine, music always has been and will continue to be an integral part of my family’s celebrations.

These are only some of the things that make the holidays so important to me. Of course, the greatest aspect is to be able to celebrate it together, even as the years go by and things change. Just like our age-old traditions, some things never have to change.

What gifts are the Three Kings planning on delivering to your house this January 6th? What traditions does your family observe during the holiday season? Let us know on Facebook!

Laura “Laurita” Tellado is a writer and blogger. She’s passionate about raising awareness about Spina Bifida, and quality of life issues, particularly through her blog, Holdin’ Out for a Hero. She also blogs bilingually at Espresso con Leche, about cultural topics, food, and her duality as a Latina and an American—as well as her love of great cafecito!