As a Puerto Rican American and first-generation immigrant to the mainland, the celebration of the Christmas holidays can be described with two words: cultural amalgamation.
While proud to be Americans, there is also a deep connection to Puerto Rican and broader Latino and Spanish cultures with their diverse traditions.
The fact that all Puerto Ricans have American citizenship and can move freely between the island and the mainland allows for the traversal of different cultures with Christian traditions that bind and provide common ground with mainland Americans.
At the core, Puerto Ricans are a Latino people with deep respect for Latin American and Spanish traditions.
Cultural amalgamation is the essence of Christmas celebrations for Puerto Rican Americans.
Author's summary: Cultural amalgamation defines Christmas celebrations.