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First Time Hosting a Christmas Eve Dinner? Here Are Tips on How to Make that “Noche” “Buena”
Don't let the pressure ruin what is said to be "the most wonderful time of the year."
Maya Cabuang
2024-12-21T10:08:41.629Z
When translated to English, the Spanish phrase “noche buena” means “the good night.” But as many Filipinos know, it isn’t always so because the “noche” in question is normally Christmas Eve and, in certain situations, it can be challenge to make it “buena.”
For example: let’s say that for the first time, the challenge to make it happen falls upon you. As circumstances make you the able and willing, let’s say that you’ve become the host of this year’s Noche Buena and if you’re one of the lucky ones, your standards are quite high. You picture a vibrant gathering filled with laughter, love, and delectable feasts that echo the rich traditions of Filipino culture. You also know that it’s not just a meal because growing up, you’ve been led to believe that this is a heartfelt celebration that brings together family and friends to create memories that will be treasured for years to come. Indeed, the task of realizing gathering can be daunting.
But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible--especially if you know what you’re dealing with.
Know What “Buena” Is
At its core, Noche Buena is a celebration steeped in both spiritual significance and cultural importance. It is held late on the evening of December 24 and it typically spills over to the 25th to celebrate the symbolic birth day of Jesus Christ.
In the Philippines, however, Noche Buena has become more than a Catholic tradition and it’s ironically because of how dominant its religion of origin is. At present, more than 70 percent of the Philippine population adheres to Catholicism thereby making Noche Buena a widespread practice in the country. And, since Filipinos tend to be highly relational regardless of their faith, minorities who belong to other religions would--at times--participate in Catholic practices or at least show interest in them. Therefore, they get involved with fiestas and traditions like Noche Buena.
This is an important matter to understand when planning a Christmas Eve dinner. In the Philippines, people do not just come because of the food or their religious obligations. Many go because of the opportunity to engage others, to be with a community. So, when hosting a Noche Buena, there is virtue in making sure that the set-up has a lot of room for that. It helps, therefore, if the event is not so formal, regimented or intimidating.
In some houses, people just open their doors while celebrating Noche Buena—inviting people to come in anytime. The food, meanwhile, isn’t served in portions or courses; sometimes they’re just on a table, occasionally spread like a buffet visited by guests who then move to various corners of the house to eat, drink or converse with those they’re interested in.
This particular set up doesn’t just express the generosity or the nonchalance of the host, it also give the guests better control over how they wish to experience the event.
This is what some people expect out of Noche Buena just as much as they’d expect to see some dishes served in it.
Consider the Classics
While there aren’t any rules dictating what one should serve for Noche Buena, there are traditional items that tend to make an appearance not just because people are used to them but because they offer something important to this type of celebration.
Let’s start with the lechon; traditionally the crown jewel of the feast. It tends to be a cherished centerpiece in Noche Buena celebrations. This festive occasion brings together families and friends in a heartwarming gathering that embodies the spirit of love, giving, and togetherness. The lechon stands as a testament to the abundance and hospitality that Filipinos are renowned for. For starters, it isn’t a cheap dish so its presence at the table is a symbol of prosperity and generosity. To prepare it also is to roast an entire pig so it normally yields enough protein to feed groups. In the Philippines, it is therefore at the apex of communal dishes.
Then there’s the pancit (or Filipino noodles.) It is a beloved staple that adorns nearly every table, radiating warmth and tradition. It’s believed that we invite the good fortune of long life whenever we eat this. But, aside from that, it also tends to be flavorful and versatile. It can be topped by a variety of greens and proteins, and it can come in a variety of forms.
Another common dish is the hamon. This is sweet, succulent ham often glazed with a mixture of sugar, succulent bits of pineapple, and luscious pineapple jam. Hamon brings a delectable sweetness that tantalizes the taste buds and evokes memories of joyful holiday gatherings.
Usually joining the ham is queso de bola, a round Edam cheese that is often encased in its signature red wax coating. The creamy and slightly tangy flavors of the cheese provide a perfect contrast to the sweet notes of the ham. Together, they create a delightful interplay—one that captures the very essence of Filipino festive dining, where every bite tells a story of tradition and shared joy. To elevate this pairing, consider presenting the hamon and queso de bola on a beautifully arranged platter, transforming your dining table into a stunning centerpiece. Surround these delights with an assortment of fresh fruits such as grapes, crisp apples, and tropical guavas. The vibrant colors of the fruits not only add a touch of elegance but also introduce a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham. The burst of fruity flavors complements the savory elements, making each bite a harmonious experience.
For dessert, the traditional Filipino rice cakes take center stage. Bibingka is a soft rice cake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, traditionally cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves. The cake is often topped with salted egg and cheese, creating a sweet and salty explosion in every bite.
Alongside bibingka, puto bumbong—purple-hued rice cakes made from glutinous rice and steamed in bamboo tubes—adds an extra layer of festivity to your dessert table. Topped with butter and grated coconut, these treats are not just delicious; they also invoke the nostalgia of Christmas mornings in the Philippines, where the aroma of puto bumbong fills the air.
Aside from these dishes though, there are other items that tend to be popular not just because of their taste but also because of their practicality.
Lumpia, embotido, barbecue. These dishes tend to have at least three things in common: they all can use pork, they all can be prepared way before they are needed and—because of the latter—they’re all popular additions to the Noche Buena menu.
Yes, it is tempting to serve the most decadent of dishes that are demanding and rewarding but in case you need additional flavors to complement the best of your offerings, you can always consider items that can taste good even though they’re easier to prepare.
Aside from the dishes mentioned above, Knorr—the food and beverage brand—suggests several other dishes that you might want to consider. tacos, macaroni salad, baked spaghetti, crema de fruta, buko pandan, cathedral window, and a fruitcake. The preparations for each of these dishes, according to the group, have aspects that can be done ahead of time making them good options to consider for people who don’t want to be stressing out too much on the day itself.
But if ever you do, there are tricks you can consider.
‘Tis the Season to Try Stress Reduction
Even with careful planning to, stress can be unavoidable especially if you are pressured to oversee the success of an event meant for a lot of people.
But even if you can’t elude it, you can counteract it and there are many methods one can try even for those who are pressed for time.
For instance, breathing exercises. There are several that are quite popular for different occasions. Let’s say, for example, that it is the 23rd and there are many things to do the next day and the sheer thought of them is making it harder for you to sleep. What do you do? Try the 4-7-8 breathing exercise.
It’s easy. Just breath in through your nose for four seconds, hold the breath for seven then exhale through pursed lips for eight seconds. This is normally repeated four times and the breath should be so deep that it expands your stomach, not your chest. When done correctly, this exercise can relax the mind, regulate one’s breathing and lead to better sleep.
Now, let’s consider the scenario wherein you’re panicking on the day itself but you have a minute to spare. Take it to reset with box breathing.
As its name suggests, box breathing means breathing through the nose for four seconds, holding the breath for another four, exhaling through pursed lips for four and holding again for another four. Like the 4-7-8 breathing technique, this too should be done properly, with your stomach expanding instead of your chest.
This technique supposedly helps people refocus and it can activate the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for the body’s rest and digestion. It’s the opposite of the sympathetic nervous system responsible for making the body choose between fight or flight.
In other words, it puts you in the correct mindset to not just handle the preparations for Noche Buena but also enjoy what is this “noche’s” “buena”—the food, the connections, all the good that you worked hard to acquire as its host.
For example: let’s say that for the first time, the challenge to make it happen falls upon you. As circumstances make you the able and willing, let’s say that you’ve become the host of this year’s Noche Buena and if you’re one of the lucky ones, your standards are quite high. You picture a vibrant gathering filled with laughter, love, and delectable feasts that echo the rich traditions of Filipino culture. You also know that it’s not just a meal because growing up, you’ve been led to believe that this is a heartfelt celebration that brings together family and friends to create memories that will be treasured for years to come. Indeed, the task of realizing gathering can be daunting.
But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible--especially if you know what you’re dealing with.
Know What “Buena” Is
At its core, Noche Buena is a celebration steeped in both spiritual significance and cultural importance. It is held late on the evening of December 24 and it typically spills over to the 25th to celebrate the symbolic birth day of Jesus Christ.
In the Philippines, however, Noche Buena has become more than a Catholic tradition and it’s ironically because of how dominant its religion of origin is. At present, more than 70 percent of the Philippine population adheres to Catholicism thereby making Noche Buena a widespread practice in the country. And, since Filipinos tend to be highly relational regardless of their faith, minorities who belong to other religions would--at times--participate in Catholic practices or at least show interest in them. Therefore, they get involved with fiestas and traditions like Noche Buena.
This is an important matter to understand when planning a Christmas Eve dinner. In the Philippines, people do not just come because of the food or their religious obligations. Many go because of the opportunity to engage others, to be with a community. So, when hosting a Noche Buena, there is virtue in making sure that the set-up has a lot of room for that. It helps, therefore, if the event is not so formal, regimented or intimidating.
In some houses, people just open their doors while celebrating Noche Buena—inviting people to come in anytime. The food, meanwhile, isn’t served in portions or courses; sometimes they’re just on a table, occasionally spread like a buffet visited by guests who then move to various corners of the house to eat, drink or converse with those they’re interested in.
This particular set up doesn’t just express the generosity or the nonchalance of the host, it also give the guests better control over how they wish to experience the event.
This is what some people expect out of Noche Buena just as much as they’d expect to see some dishes served in it.
Consider the Classics
While there aren’t any rules dictating what one should serve for Noche Buena, there are traditional items that tend to make an appearance not just because people are used to them but because they offer something important to this type of celebration.
Let’s start with the lechon; traditionally the crown jewel of the feast. It tends to be a cherished centerpiece in Noche Buena celebrations. This festive occasion brings together families and friends in a heartwarming gathering that embodies the spirit of love, giving, and togetherness. The lechon stands as a testament to the abundance and hospitality that Filipinos are renowned for. For starters, it isn’t a cheap dish so its presence at the table is a symbol of prosperity and generosity. To prepare it also is to roast an entire pig so it normally yields enough protein to feed groups. In the Philippines, it is therefore at the apex of communal dishes.
Then there’s the pancit (or Filipino noodles.) It is a beloved staple that adorns nearly every table, radiating warmth and tradition. It’s believed that we invite the good fortune of long life whenever we eat this. But, aside from that, it also tends to be flavorful and versatile. It can be topped by a variety of greens and proteins, and it can come in a variety of forms.
Another common dish is the hamon. This is sweet, succulent ham often glazed with a mixture of sugar, succulent bits of pineapple, and luscious pineapple jam. Hamon brings a delectable sweetness that tantalizes the taste buds and evokes memories of joyful holiday gatherings.
Usually joining the ham is queso de bola, a round Edam cheese that is often encased in its signature red wax coating. The creamy and slightly tangy flavors of the cheese provide a perfect contrast to the sweet notes of the ham. Together, they create a delightful interplay—one that captures the very essence of Filipino festive dining, where every bite tells a story of tradition and shared joy. To elevate this pairing, consider presenting the hamon and queso de bola on a beautifully arranged platter, transforming your dining table into a stunning centerpiece. Surround these delights with an assortment of fresh fruits such as grapes, crisp apples, and tropical guavas. The vibrant colors of the fruits not only add a touch of elegance but also introduce a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham. The burst of fruity flavors complements the savory elements, making each bite a harmonious experience.
For dessert, the traditional Filipino rice cakes take center stage. Bibingka is a soft rice cake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, traditionally cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves. The cake is often topped with salted egg and cheese, creating a sweet and salty explosion in every bite.
Alongside bibingka, puto bumbong—purple-hued rice cakes made from glutinous rice and steamed in bamboo tubes—adds an extra layer of festivity to your dessert table. Topped with butter and grated coconut, these treats are not just delicious; they also invoke the nostalgia of Christmas mornings in the Philippines, where the aroma of puto bumbong fills the air.
Aside from these dishes though, there are other items that tend to be popular not just because of their taste but also because of their practicality.
Lumpia, embotido, barbecue. These dishes tend to have at least three things in common: they all can use pork, they all can be prepared way before they are needed and—because of the latter—they’re all popular additions to the Noche Buena menu.
Yes, it is tempting to serve the most decadent of dishes that are demanding and rewarding but in case you need additional flavors to complement the best of your offerings, you can always consider items that can taste good even though they’re easier to prepare.
Aside from the dishes mentioned above, Knorr—the food and beverage brand—suggests several other dishes that you might want to consider. tacos, macaroni salad, baked spaghetti, crema de fruta, buko pandan, cathedral window, and a fruitcake. The preparations for each of these dishes, according to the group, have aspects that can be done ahead of time making them good options to consider for people who don’t want to be stressing out too much on the day itself.
But if ever you do, there are tricks you can consider.
‘Tis the Season to Try Stress Reduction
Even with careful planning to, stress can be unavoidable especially if you are pressured to oversee the success of an event meant for a lot of people.
But even if you can’t elude it, you can counteract it and there are many methods one can try even for those who are pressed for time.
For instance, breathing exercises. There are several that are quite popular for different occasions. Let’s say, for example, that it is the 23rd and there are many things to do the next day and the sheer thought of them is making it harder for you to sleep. What do you do? Try the 4-7-8 breathing exercise.
It’s easy. Just breath in through your nose for four seconds, hold the breath for seven then exhale through pursed lips for eight seconds. This is normally repeated four times and the breath should be so deep that it expands your stomach, not your chest. When done correctly, this exercise can relax the mind, regulate one’s breathing and lead to better sleep.
Now, let’s consider the scenario wherein you’re panicking on the day itself but you have a minute to spare. Take it to reset with box breathing.
As its name suggests, box breathing means breathing through the nose for four seconds, holding the breath for another four, exhaling through pursed lips for four and holding again for another four. Like the 4-7-8 breathing technique, this too should be done properly, with your stomach expanding instead of your chest.
This technique supposedly helps people refocus and it can activate the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for the body’s rest and digestion. It’s the opposite of the sympathetic nervous system responsible for making the body choose between fight or flight.
In other words, it puts you in the correct mindset to not just handle the preparations for Noche Buena but also enjoy what is this “noche’s” “buena”—the food, the connections, all the good that you worked hard to acquire as its host.
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