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Welcome to Mi Casa, Mi Navidad
In Puerto Rico, the Holidays aren’t just celebrated—they’re lived. It’s the sound of guitars at midnight, the glow of lanterns in the warm night air, and the laughter of family spilling out into the street. Flavor, rhythm, and tradition are woven into every gathering.
“Mi Casa, Mi Navidad” invites you to step inside a Boricua home and experience the magic of the season—where every room, every sound, and every scene tells the story of Christmas in Puerto Rico, one chapter at a time. A celebration not marked by a single date on the calendar, but by weeks of music, light, and joy.
Experience Puerto Rico’s Holiday Traditions
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Chapter 1:
The Day the House Dresses Up
Watch the house transform with treasured decorations.
Chapter 2:
The Night the Music Found Us
Experience a lively parranda as neighbors fill the night with song.
Chapter 3:
The Feast that Brings Everyone Home
Smell the lechón asado, taste the coquito, and build your own plate.
Chapter 4:
The Promise Under The Stars
Celebrate Three Kings’ Eve and make a wish under Puerto Rico’s brilliant January skies.
Introduction
The Festive Season Begins
With Thanksgiving marking the beginning of Navidad, people travel from all over to enjoy the simple joys of being home for the holidays and the beloved traditions that connect us throughout the generations.
Chapter 1
The Day the House Dressed Up for the Holidays
The house glows as a family unpacks ornaments, wooden Reyes figurines, and a beloved nativity scene. With every light strung and every song hummed, Christmas truly begins.
Chapter 2
The Night the Music Found Us
It begins with a knock on the door — then suddenly, music bursts into the night. Guitars, güiros, maracas, and voices fill the air as neighbors gather for a parranda.
Chapter 3
The Feast that Brings Everyone Together
From the crackle of lechón roasting to the aroma of arroz con gandules and coquito poured into tiny glasses, the kitchen is the heart of Nochebuena.
Chapter 4
The Promise Under the Stars
On the eve of Three Kings Day, children cut fresh grass and place it in shoeboxes for the Magi’s horses. Wishes are whispered under the stars, and the story of the Three Kings is passed from one generation to the next.
More Ways to Experience Mi Casa, Mi Navidad
Deepen your knowledge and feel the warmth of a Boricua Navidad with “Mi Casa, Mi Navidad.” Unlock this delightful tale about homecoming and much more when you subscribe to our e-newsletter.
Meet the Boricuas Behind Mi Casa, Mi Navidad
Nana & Nina
Authors
Caroll López and Joanne Ponzio, best known as Nana & Nina, are Puerto Rican twin sisters devoted to bilingual children’s literature. From Puerto Rico, they create stories that celebrate culture, imagination, and universal values—blending the charm of traditional storytelling with a style that invites children to experience the joy of reading in two languages.
Throughout their career, Nana & Nina have published five bilingual books that have received international recognition for their literary quality, illustrations, and educational value. Each book encourages a love for reading, appreciation of Boricua identity, and celebration of linguistic diversity, opening spaces for connection between cultures and generations.
Their stories —filled with adventure, humor, and tradition— inspire families and educators around the world, becoming essential tools for early bilingual learning. Dedicated to education and creativity, the authors offer talks and school visits that promote reading as a bridge to imagination and cultural identity.
Explore their literary world at www.mundonananina.com, on Facebook and Instagram.
For inquiries or school visits: [email protected].
Waldemar Lozada
Illustrator
Waldemar Lozada Oliveras is a Puerto Rican visual artist from Naranjito whose work celebrates Boricua identity through the figure of the jíbaro and the landscapes of contemporary Puerto Rico. Guided by the belief that art is a way to tell his people’s story, his work stands out for blending tradition with a modern aesthetic where realism and emotion intertwine to convey narratives of pride, perseverance, and belonging.
With a background in visual arts, Lozada Oliveras has built a diverse career as a graphic designer, caricaturist, muralist, consultant, and tattoo artist—developing a distinctive style defined by authenticity and powerful visual impact. His most emblematic series, Jíbaros, reimagines the iconic image of the rural worker —inspired by Ramón Frade’s Pan Nuestro— bringing it to life with new meaning and contemporary relevance.
Through his paintings, murals, and tattoos, Lozada Oliveras portrays the modern jíbaro: women and men who embody resilience and the enduring pride of a people who continue to cultivate their history and art. He currently divides his time between tattoo artistry, mural painting, and illustration, participating in notable urban art events, local collaborations, and projects with various brands.
Discover more of his work on Instagram or reach out at [email protected] for art-related inquiries or collaborations.
Janid Ortiz
Audiobook Narrator
Janid Ortiz is a Puerto Rican vocalist, actress, and voice actor with a career that began at age three and spans seven studio albums, national campaigns, and stage appearances with icons like Marc Anthony, Laura Pausini, Cheo Feliciano, Natalia Jiménez, Bernie Williams, and Arthur Hanlon. Her voice has defined campaigns for brands such as Coca-Cola, Goya, and Discover Puerto Rico, and she currently performs with the acclaimed Bomba ensemble Tamboricua.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Janid brings three decades of marketing and communications expertise, serving as Discover Puerto Rico’s Industry Affairs Director.
Immerse Yourself in the Boricua Holiday Traditions
Not Boricua? You’re not alone. In our story, Papá is discovering these traditions for the first time, learning Spanish, and joining the celebrations. He’s your guide, too.
Explore Puerto Rico’s Culture
Be it decorating the Christmas tree or putting up the poinsettias on the porch, holidays on the Island are a reflection and celebration of our culture. Learn more about these iconic traditions and their legacy.
Chapter 1:
Mi Casa
¡Asalto! Music Is Knocking at the Door
Christmas caroling in Puerto Rico is like nothing you’ve ever seen. The music is vibrant, lively, and, above all, full of cheer. Learn how you can throw your own parranda!
Chapter 2:
Parranda
Savor the Holiday Flavors
Crisp and succulent pork, savory rice and pigeon peas, and delectable pasteles are piled onto fine china for a night of fun and revelry. Indulge your palate by making your own Nochebuena feast.
Chapter 3:
Nochebuena Feast
Make a Wish Upon the Stars
Celebrated on January 6, the arrival of the Three Kings not only brings gifts but beloved traditions that unite us with our past. Dive into the celebrations and learn about the cultural significance of the holiday.
Chapter 4:
Promesa de Reyes
