Have you ever heard of the Latino Christmas tradition of the aguinaldo? An aguinaldo is a gift that was traditionally given to kids, young people, and neighbors when they would knock on people's doors to carroll during Christmas time. The gifts were sweet treats, drinks, and even packed food.
That holiday tradition that we inherited from Spain, was still practiced in many parts of Puerto Rico when I was growing up. Every year, my mother prepared homemade desserts to give to all our neighbors: coconut dulce, papaya dessert, arroz con leche, tembleque.
My father put together bags full of candy and dried fruits to give to the neighborhood children on Three Kings Day. All those little presents we call aguinaldos.
Today, when Puerto Ricans–and many Latinos–say "aguinaldo," we're referring to the musical genre by taht same name. In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, an aguinaldo is a bonus that workers receive during Christmas.
Some people to this day still preserve the aguinaldo tradition. Check below for some of the most traditinoal and typically Latino of all aguinaldos, Christmas gifts made with love in your own kitchen!