Kat Cuenca on Holiday Traditions, Elephants, and Fireworks
This is Kat Cuenca's holiday wonderland, where Christmas trees wear Lego ornaments, elephants play cupid, and fireworks competes with the laughter of family
by Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of Katrina Cuenca (via Instagram)
December 27, 2023
Katrina Cuenca with family.
In the glittering world of Kat Cuenca, the holidays a spectacle of lights, laughter, and a tree that's an eclectic homage to all things whimsical. Art+ caught up with the artist and December-January cover star to delve into the magical traditions that make the Cuenca household a holiday haven.
Deck the Halls with Personal Memories
The holiday spirit arrives at the Cuenca residence in early November, courtesy of her nine-year-old son, who happens to be a big Christmas enthusiast. "Halloween's over. It's time for Christmas," he declares, kickstarting a festive frenzy that transforms their home into a merry menagerie. The Christmas tree, a centerpiece of their celebrations, is not your average evergreen. It's a kaleidoscopic canvas adorned with Harry Potter wands, Star Wars spaceships, Mickey Mouse ears, and Gudetama’s lazy charm.
According to Kat, the lack of a theme is precisely the point. "Our tree is very important to me because we don't have a theme for it. It's more of just having ornaments that mean something to the family." Ramen noodles and Care Bears share branches with Lego ornaments—a collaborative effort by the Cuenca trio. Each ornament tells a story, including an outline of a photo featuring Kat's mom and her son, reminiscent of a time when he was just a baby.
Elephants and a Game of Love
Among the quirky ornaments, elephants hold a special place in the Cuenca holiday narrative. "We love that. It's all different and it grows every year." The significance of elephants goes beyond the decorative—they are central to a cherished family game. Kat explains, "We have an elephant game. When either one of us sees an elephant anywhere, whoever sees it first and calls it, gets a kiss from the other two."
This unique tradition has transcended borders, becoming a "Cuenca thing" even among relatives in Spain. "You'll always see an elephant somewhere in the house," Kat chuckles, emphasizing the importance of weaving personal touches into holiday traditions.
Fireworks, Family, and the Scent of Gunpowder
For Kat, celebrating the holidays in the Philippines is something she prefers, especially when it comes to New Year's Eve. "There's nothing like seeing all of the fireworks on New Year's Eve." Her childhood memories are punctuated by her grandfather's homemade firework contraptions—a sequence of explosions orchestrated with love. "I love the smell of gunpowder. It's so weird," she confesses, embodying the unique joy that comes with the festive season.
Despite the allure of traveling during the holidays, Kat holds a special place in her heart for the Philippines. "If I had it my way, I'd have it here. Then they'll just have our friends and our relatives flying from Spain. And I think that would be the best."
In the Cuenca household, the holidays are a splendid medley of personal touches, shared traditions, and the joy of making memories. As the year draws to a close, Kat Cuenca invites us to revel in the magic of the season, one elephant sighting and fireworks display at a time.
