Christmas in Spain kicks off on Christmas Eve with a dinner feast. After the feast, most Spaniards attend the Misa Del Gallo (midnight mass) and, in days gone by, would walk the streets carrying torches and playing music while saying “Esta noche es Nochebuena, no es noche de dormir!” (This night is Christmas Eve and is not meant for sleeping!)
Gift giving in Spain is not just for Christmas Day, but is also practiced on Epiphany (January 6th). In Spanish, Epiphany is called “Fiesta de Los Tres Reyes Mages” (The Festival of the Three Magical Kings). Children write letters to the Three Kings asking for toys and gifts. On the Thee Kings Day Eve, they will leave their shoes on windowsills or under the Christmas tree to be filled with presents.
BOOK FOR SPAIN:
“The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf
Today’s story isn’t a Christmas story, but the setting for “Ferdinand” is in Spain. Plus, Costa Rican Christmas got me in the mood for reading a story about bullfighting. Of course, as far as I know, there are not bullfights at Christmas time in Spain. As a side note, the movie Ferdinand makes for a fun family movie night!
Here is a link to me reading “The Story of Ferdinand.“ Thanks to Kamryn for assisting and doing all the editing for this story
TRADITIONAL DESSERT FOR SPAIN:
Spanish Flan
Flan is a common dessert in Spain. Here is a link to a very easy Instant Pot recipe for Spanish Flan!
CHRISTMAS SONG FOR SPAIN:
Here is a link to Rudolfo el Reno (Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer) in Spanish. It is kind of fun because it has the lyrics written out in Spanish.