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2. * Tamales * They are a delectable treat made with fine corn flour, potatoes, vegetables, meat, and wrapped in a plantain leaf. It is unclear when the tradition of tamales began, but they are considered part of the national heritage – everyone has fond memories of eating tamales at Christmas Time.

3. * Similar to fruitcake, this is a sweet, heavy cake made with dried fruit that has often been soaked in rum for days or weeks. Though the alcohol bakes off in the oven, Costa Ricans love to joke about getting tipsy off a good cake.

4. * A kind of eggnog. Made with whole milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, the sweet and spicy mixture is almost always spiked with spiced rum or guaro (the Costa Rican firewater). Some families, especially in the countryside, make their own moonshine guaro, a potent drink that is anticipated year after year.

5. * Traditionally, dinner is eaten at midnight on Christmas Eve, though many families swap late-night eats for an afternoon feast on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. A classic meal may include pierna de cerdo (roast pork leg) or mano de piedra (a cut of beef), tamales, arroz con leche (rice pudding), and tres leches (three milk cake).

6. * Turkey * Traditional foods are important during the Thanksgiving celebration, with turkey as the main dish. Turkey has been a tradition since President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.

7. * Green bean casserole is one of many traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. It is made with green beans, mushroom soup, fried onions, and milk. This dish is a holiday favorite and can be made in a variety of ways.

8. * Of all the different holiday desserts, pumpkin pie seems to be a Thanksgiving staple. It is made from pumpkin puree (or real pumpkin if you’re feelin’ yourself), sweetened condensed milk, eggs, sugar, various spices, and topped with whipped cream. It’s unsure why pumpkin pie has become a staple for the holiday, but it has been enjoyed at family tables as early as Thanksgiving 1621.

9. * Thanksgiving dinner is usually consumed with close friends and family in the afternoon or evening of the holiday. It symbolizes the successful settling of the Pilgrims with the help of the Native Americans in 1621. Today, the day is seen as a moment to give thanks and rejoice in our accomplishments throughout the year. The dinner includes a large feast of meats, side dishes, and desserts, leaving us full for days.