by Camila from Miami asks Santa about Christmas in Florida, learns about the Everglades, and hears about Miami’s Cuban-American Nochebuena traditions
Dear Santa, my name is Camila and I am nine years old. I live in Miami, Florida, where my abuela says our Christmas Eve dinner does not really begin until nearly midnight, just like it did back in Cuba.
Dear Camila, I have adjusted my Miami delivery schedule around that very late, very lively dinner for a long time now.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you visit Christmas in Florida? My cousin from up north thinks it is strange that we sometimes wear shorts on Christmas Day.
I visit every year, shorts weather and all, Camila. Florida has taught me not to expect snow everywhere, and I have made peace with the lighter suit I pack specifically for your state.
My second question is about our wetlands. My teacher says the Everglades is a very unusual kind of swamp, different from most places. Is that true?
It is, Camila. The Everglades is a vast, slow-moving river of grass, home to alligators, unique birds, and plants found almost nowhere else. Flying low over that wide, wild landscape each December is one of the more unusual, memorable parts of my entire route.
My third question is about Nochebuena. My whole family gathers for a huge dinner with roast pork and music on Christmas Eve, keeping traditions from Cuba alive here in Miami. Why is that so important to us?
Nochebuena is a deeply cherished tradition among Cuban-American families in Miami, Camila, carrying customs, recipes, and music across generations and an entire ocean of distance. I think there is something beautiful about a family keeping its heritage alive so vividly, wherever the family eventually settles.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Camila Delgado
Miami, Florida
P.S. Do you eat the roast pork too, if there is some left?
Whenever I am lucky enough, Camila. It rarely lasts long enough for me to be certain.
