Last year, I explained what Three King’s Day is all about and how our family celebrated this occasion back in Puerto Rico.
Since we moved to the states, the tradition slowly got lost. This is partly due to the fact that it’s not a recognized holiday here (we still have to work) and partly to the fact that it gets expensive to buy gifts for two occasions.
Needless to say, at the ModernMami house, we have not been keeping up with this tradition either.
We will be at work today.
Baby girl did not collect grass last night for the camels.
And, she will not get a gift this year.
However, our Christmas decorations are still up!
I’m saddened by this and would really like baby girl to know what this special day is all about.
So, I resolve to do better next year.
El Dia de los Reyes will be celebrated in 2010!
Felicidades mi gente!
Brian says
Sorry to hear that you did not celebrate Three Kings Day this year, but happy that you plan to next year. It’s good to keep traditions alive :o).
When I was small back in the UK, today was the day that all the decorations were taken down. It always kind of a sad day.
But here in Puerto Rico (this is my second year and my son’s second year. He’s 13 months, so really won’t remember :o)), the day is exciting and fun. We left grass in a shoe box under his crib and this morning, some of it was gone and there were a few presents next to his crib. I guess the Three Kings and their camels visited over night…
I hope you enjoy next years Three Kings Day
Maegan la Mala says
It’s a very hard tradition to keep here, I agree, since everyone moves quickly out of holiday mode right after New Year’s pero I try to keep it up. We rarely have grass since there is no grass in wintery NY pero we do leave water and Reyes gifts are always smaller than navidad gifts.
Feliz dia
Melanie (Modern Mami) says
Brian & Maegan: I hope you guys have a great day as well! Gracias for stopping by and sharing your way of celebrating. Maegan, that’s a great thing to keep in mind, that even a small gift will do for celebrating. 🙂
Carla says
Feliz Dia de Los Reyes! I was a bit sad that I had to work today so I just took a half day. We gave our little girl a tricycle and she loved it. We didn’t do any of the other traditions but we’re determined to incorporate them as she gets older. My husband almost went out & got the grass you feed cats b/c there’s none outside with all the snow! I like Maegan’s idea, even a little something will delight your daughter =)
Lymari says
It is too cold for the Kings and their camels to visit the Pacific Northwest, but for the last two years they haven’t forgotten us. Since we only have evergreens and we don’t think the camels will eat it, last year we put out some grapes and this year, peeled carrots. Yes, it can get expensive, but I’ve made a point to make a greater deal of this day instead of Santa’s.
The kids were born and raised in Hawaii. I was blessed to be surrounded by a huge Filipino community that also celebrated Three Kings Day and so it was easy to be able to celebrate away from home.
I am glad to hear you’ll be celebrating it next year, though. This is a beautiful and magical tradition we need to keep passing on!
Hugs to you, Melanie.
Jai says
I remember when we would spend the whole month in Dominican Republic when I was little. We would celebrate Three Kings Day there. I don’t keep the tradition alive just yet but like you maybe next year we will celebrate at my house too!
Denene@MyBrownBaby says
Sounds like a pretty cool holiday… next year, perhaps I’ll celebrate with my little ones so that they can savor the flavor of such a special occasion from another culture. Thanks for sharing this!
Melanie (Modern Mami) says
Carla: So glad you took some time off and celebrated!
Lymari: You’re right, it is important. Thanks for sharing your way of celebrating.
Jai & Denene: Here’s to getting in the game next year! 😉