Let me tell you a tale of Christmas in the hood
Which begins on Christmas Eve, it's a party, understood?
Black mothers are making collard greens while Latinas are making pernil
Christmas lights hang from the fire escapes, it's so vibrant you see
The house is all decorated
Let's not talk about the elaborate tree.
Music is blasting from everywhere, I can't differentiate between which one I want to dance to
La Fiesta de Pilito from El Gran Combo, to All I Want for Christmas is You
There are always Christmas delicacies like pasteles and rum
Arroz con gandules, and coquito, its only just begun
Sirens in the streets it's a typical thing
You know senseless violence is what the season brings.
The doors of apartments are decorated red and gold
Drunk family members are a sight to behold.
The parents worrying what to give their children without much money
So they lay away items at Kid's World just to give them something.
Times are hard, but you can't let them down
Because even Santa comes to the hood, they still expect him to come around.
The kids open their presents, gift wrapping all on the floor
Maybe one or a few presents, we couldn't afford more.
Wait--you hear that tapping, it's the neighbor at the door
With a plate full of food, there could never be more.
Everyone puts on their best outfit, you can't look like a mess
The family is around, so it's time to impress.
After the festivities are over it's time to get ready fast
Let's all walk together to the annual Midnight Mass.
Feliz Navidad, the church is abuzz
His birth is a celebration, being happy is a must.
Even the infants are in church, you can hear them all fuss
Now the mass is over it's time to go back
Let's walk home fast, we don't want to get attacked.
We are finally home safe and sound in our beds
Wondering if Santa will land on the brick over our heads.
It doesn't end there, the season still lasts
Until Three Kings Day has come, then Christmas has officially past.
These are memories and maybe one day it will stop
But until then, this is the tale of Christmas in the Bronx.