Beginning at 7 p.m., my family gathers together to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. My family brings plates of food, alcohol, presents, and so much more. We stay up until midnight — yes including the kiddos — and we hug and wish each other Merry Christmas. Then we let the kids open their presents so they can go to bed or not bother the adults. While the adults enjoy the rest of the night together.

Now while being with my family is great, and because I'm not much of a present person, my favorite part of Christmas is THE FOOD. Don't even get me started on my favorite drinks and food, because my family has the best recipes around (food + Mexican touch = beautiful sensation in your mouth).

1. Tamales

Agh yes, the most basic part of a meal, tamales. I hate waking up early in the morning to help make these, but seeing my mom's face full of joy (and sweat) I wouldn't trade for the world. Especially while she tells me stories of her making them in Mexico with her mom, grandma, and all the other women in her family.

2. Frijoles Charros

These are the best beans in a soup. It's a soup that consists of beans (lol), sausage, bacon, tomato, jalapeños, cilantro, onion, and more beans. This is the perfect soup for the cold winter night.

3. Champurrado

This is like chocolate milk, but better. It has flour, milk, cinnamon, and of course chocolate, all simmered together to make this delicious sweet drink.

4. Chocolate Abuelita

This is hot chocolate, but better. And you can eat the block of chocolate too. Just simmer milk and these block of chocolate and tadaaa, you have some scrumptious hot chocolate.

5. Capirotada

THIS IS MY FAVORITE DESSERT. This plate is moist and really good when it's fresh out the oven. It is baked with bread, piloncillo, cheese, raisins, nuts and topped with coconut shreddings and sprinkles for decoration. #YUM

6. Bunuelos

This is like an elephant ear, but it's homemade and so goooood. They're crunchy, sweet, and taste like Christmas.

6. Ponche Navideño

This drink is almost like warm apple cider, but it contains a lot more ingredients. It has tejocotes, fruit (especially apples), cinnamon, and piloncillo (yes, you can add alcohol but shhh).

I AM SO EXCITED TO GO HOME AND EAT THESE DELICIOUS FOODS, DESSERTS, AND DRINKS. Food is just huge bonus points, but being with family is where my joy is for the holidays. I hope you enjoy your homemade meals, especially if you live off dining hall food. Don't be afraid to attempt to make any of these foods or drinks, especially the desserts! Happy holidays!