On one side of our house, there is a cacao tree.
When it’s bright red, it means the fruit is ripe for picking.
It is cracked open, and the cacao seeds are taken out, dried and ground.
As tradition, the Hilarios and the Libongcos (my Mom’s and Dad’s sides) come together on Christmas Eve. And every Noche Buena, the entire family looks forward to this:
a cup of hot chocolate, straight from the backyard, for each member of the family. Grainy, bitter and so comforting. Photo above was taken by my cousin Noelle.
On Christmas Day, the Libongcos (who live next door) come over for lunch and for the opening of Christmas presents. It’s a growing family, this year, with the Lanots and Lacsinas!
Happy Holidays from our “L” Family to yours! 😉