Yolanda Chacaj

Program Director, Guatemala

Tamales: with her mother and grandmother

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“Christmas tamales are very special for my family, as my grandmother and mother cook them together every year. They make the tamales for Christmas Eve, and also for New Year’s Eve, so they can share them with the family at midnight. Such a large quantity is made because we share the tamales with our family who live around our house and some neighbors. We believe that Christmas and the holidays are good opportunities to share tamales with people who do not have the opportunity to make them, so then they will have a plate of food on these special days in Guatemala.”

READ HER STORY: intsam.org/midnight-tamales.

Selam Kahsay

Health & Wellness Specialist, Ethiopia

Tihlo: made by her mother, Lemlem

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“This special recipe, Tihlo, is more than just a dish—it’s a tradition, a celebration, and a symbol of love. It takes about half a day to cook with love and care, and it’s reserved for special occasions, holidays, and weddings. Growing up, watching my mom spend hours preparing it, 2-3 times a year, was always exciting for our entire household. It’s a dish that brings everyone together around a large, circular tray to enjoy while Mom rolls and drops the Tihlo balls for each of us.

Tihlo is special because it takes time to make, is incredibly healthy (made with barley flour and a meat sauce that has been simmering for hours), and, most importantly, it brings everyone together at one table, sharing a meal, laughter, and blessings.”

READ HER STORY: intsam.org/for-your-holiday-table

Sonja Robinson

Program Director, Jamaica

Jamaican Christmas Cake

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“Jamaican Christmas cake, also known as fruit cake, is a cherished staple during the holiday season, not only for my family but for many Jamaican families. It symbolizes the warmth, fellowship, and joy of Christmas celebrations. This richly spiced, moist, and dense cake is made with a variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and prunes, soaked in rum and red wine for an extended period. This cake is more than just a dessert—it is a reflection of the spirit of togetherness that defines the season.

A slice of Christmas cake is often enjoyed with a glass of sorrel, bringing families and friends together, evoking feelings of love, laughter, and gratitude. The sharing of this cake, amidst fun and fellowship, creates lasting memories, while its preparation and enjoyment celebrate not just the holiday, but the birth of Christ.

It embodies the hope, joy, and praise that are central to Christmas, making it a meaningful part of Jamaican traditions.”

READ HER STORY: intsam.org/christmas-cake

Ronia Romero

Program Director, Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Nacatamales

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“One of our most outstanding Christmas recipes is nacatamales, a dish beloved by all Hondurans!

At Christmas, when we visit our family, we love to try the nacatamales of each home. They are a well-known recipe, but every family gives them their own special touch. I personally love the ones my mom makes since she makes them with so much love for all of us, as well as for our neighbors and friends. When I eat one of my mom’s nacatamales, it always brings back memories of my childhood, when we’d all be together at home enjoying this dish.

Recently, our team members, Samaritan Scholars, and children in the community made nacatamales together at the Buen Samaritano Family Life Center. It was so nice to see all these children and young people, who I am so proud of, prepare my favorite recipe and a favorite one of many Hondurans.”

READ HER STORY: intsam.org/showing-love-with-food