Las Christmas: Favorite Latino Authors Share Their Holiday Memories

by Esmeralda Santiago, Joie Davidow

Twenty-five celebrated Latino writers delight and move us with their recollections of Christmas in this splendid holiday extravaganza.
From Julia Alvarez's tale of how Santicló delivered a beloved uncle from political oppression to Junot Díaz's story of his own uneasy assimilation on his first Christmas in America, to Sandra Cisneros's poignant memories of her late father's holiday dinners, Las Christmas gives us true stories from writers of many traditions--memories of Christmas and Hanukkah that vividly capture the pride and pain, joy and heartbreak, that so often accompany the holidays in the Americas.
Richly illustrated and embellished with songs and poems, along with recipes for an unforgettable Christmas dinner--from traditional sweet tamales to Puerto Rican asopao (stew) and coquito (coconut eggnog)--this is an enduring treasury of Latino writing to read again and again.
A heartwarming holiday gift.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christmas

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 1998

About the author

Esmeralda Santiago (born 1948 in San Juan, Puerto Rico). Is a renowned Puerto Rican author In 1961, she came to the United States when she was thirteen years old, the eldest in a family that would eventually include eleven children. Ms. Santiago attended New York City's Performing Arts High School, where she majored in drama and dance. After eight years of part-time study at community colleges, she transferred to Harvard University with a full scholarship. She studied film production and graduated in 1976 magna cum laude. Shortly after graduation, she and her husband, Frank Cantor, founded CANTOMEDIA, a film and media production company, which has won numerous awards for excellence in documentary filmmaking.

Her writing career evolved from her work as a producer/writer of documentary and educational films. Her essays and opinion pieces have appeared in national newspapers including the New York Times and the Boston Globe, and on mass market magazines like House & Garden, Metropolitan Home, and Good Housekeeping.

Reviews

[MARGARET · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book for my book clubs "read a Latin author" month. I am really glad I did as I enjoyed this book and found myself reading it in a very short time. I thought I would be dipping into it now and again but I read the book in 3 days. There is something very personal about a child's memory of Christmas, many tinged with sadness and poverty. However so many good memories and especially so many loving memories of grandparents and siblings.This book has many special holiday recipes too and holiday songs and poems of the various regions.

[Irisis Miranda Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the intro I thought okay this book is going to get me right in the feels. Now I finished it and it did not hit the feels but was still a very enjoyable read. I read it in a few hours and saved some of the recipes I am excited to try. Overall a good read with great stories. Would recommend.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Especially as it seems to have been published the year I was born, it felt a little nostalgic. I had fun learning about various Latino Christmas/holiday traditions. Some stories wove a delightful tale of Nochebuena and the Three Magi and January 5th. Others tales that affect people of any race, creed, or origin such as absentee parents, immigration, natural disaster, illness, poverty, and family drama/trauma. Still I really enjoyed reading this collection and the songs, poems, recipes, and art mixed in.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I can, I would actually give it 3.5 stars.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up because I wanted to remember a very special Christmas Eve I spent in California with a wonder woman named Cheney Olivas. Her husband was elected to the legislature and Cheney worked with me in Santa Barbara. She was a big-hearted woman who recognized a longing for family when she saw one. One Christmas, she invited me to her house for Christmas Eve. I surprised her young nephews and nieces with my bad Tex-Mex Spanish and my capacity for tamales and cold beer. Reading this book was like a trip back to her house with all the older folks and some of the younger ones going to Midnight Mass and coming back to eat and drink and love each other some more. This book contains wonderful stories and delicious recipes for all kinds of holiday dishes from all over. If you have never experienced Christmas in another culture, try these stories and have a wonderful holiday!

[Odelsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Esmeralda Santiago! Her books never dissapoint. This was wonderful and all the writers featured were talented. For sure one of my favorite books...not just for its content but for the feeling it leaves you with...

[Nikki]

I was happy to receive this as a Christmas gift, and enjoyed the first essay, but have now put the book aside for several months as I prefer to read Christmas stories a bit closer to Christmastime.

[Nanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that has an AWESOME recipe for arroz con dulce from Esmeralda Santiagos's mother, which I make every Christmas. Delicioso!!

[Joie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Christmas gift, full of heart-warming stories and mouth-watering recipes.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stories and recipes.