Honoring Three Kings Day

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Every year, on the night of January. 5, María Antonieta and Javier transform their Tennessee home into a haven of anticipation for the overnight visit of the Three Kings. The Christmas stockings of their daughters, Gretel Valentina and Naomi, which days before were full of Christmas surprises, are now ready to receive the small gifts that the Three Wise Men will leave for them.

In the quiet of the early morning and before the school day begins, Naomi and Valentina, who is affectionately called by her middle name, discover the treasures left in their stockings. Smiles adorn their faces as they discover the small surprises. 

After school, the family prepares for a cherished family tradition with roots in Mexico where María Antonieta and Javier were born. Grandparents, aunts and uncles gather at their house, filling it with laughter and warmth. The centerpiece of the celebration is the Rosca de Reyes, a traditional sweet bread adorned with colorful candied fruits. Hidden within the cake is a small plastic baby Jesus, a symbol of the holiday.

“The Rosca de Reyes signifies the adoration of the Three Wise Men for baby Jesus,” María Antonieta explained.  

As the cake is cut and distributed, each family member takes a piece with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The family member who finds the baby Jesus in their slice will have to host a gathering a few weeks later, on Feb. 2, where they must serve tamales to the family. This tradition brings the family together again to create more memories. 

“It will be tamales and punch, or something Mexican,” María Antonieta said. “It’s a small celebration, and that is what we do.” 

Valentina loves the festive atmosphere. Soon after she was born, she was diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), an injury to the white brain tissue near the ventricles. She was also diagnosed with microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is smaller than expected. Years later, at age 4, Valentina was diagnosed with leukemia and referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® for treatment. She finished treatment more than two years ago and is doing well.

Despite her health challenges, Valentina participates in the family traditions with joy. Although she can't eat the cake, Naomi and Valentina have both found the baby Jesus in their slices in the recent past, their mom said. 

“My oldest daughter loves the bread, and at times we have bought her one to take to school,” María Antonieta said. “She likes to share with her classmates.”