’Twas Nochebuena

Why This Book?

’Twas Nochebuena and all through our casa, 

every creature was kneading tamale masa...

It’s Christmas Eve, and you’re invited to a Nochebuena celebration! Follow a family as they prepare to host a night filled with laughter, love, and Latino tradition. Make tasty tamales and hang colorful adornos (decorations) on the walls. Gather to sing festive canciones (songs) while sipping champurrado (hot chocolate). After the midnight feast has been served and the last gifts have been unwrapped, it’s time to cheer, “Feliz Navidad and to all a good night!”

Savor the magic of Nochebuena with a holiday tale you’ll want to read again and again. 

Roseanne Greenfield Thong reimagines the Christmas classic, blending English and Spanish to celebrate Mexican holiday traditions. It introduces cultural vocabulary and family customs.

• Highlights cultural traditions like posadas and tamales.
• Builds holiday and family vocabulary in both languages.
• Combines rhythm, rhyme, and bilingual storytelling.

Montessori Connections

• Practical Life & Sensorial: Practical holiday preparations (sweeping, cooking, decorating).
• Language: Holiday vocabulary cards in English and Spanish.
• Math & Order: Sequence steps of a family celebration.
• Art & Expression: Children create holiday decorations with bilingual labels.

Music & Movement
Sing bilingual carols; incorporate rhythm instruments.

Family Connections
Encourage families to share a holiday tradition, writing a short bilingual description with their child.

Montessori Big Idea
Connects school learning to home traditions, affirming cultural identity.

Try This at Home
Cook or prepare a simple holiday treat together; name the ingredients in English and Spanish.