In Europe, Spain is located in between Portugal and France. Big thanks to my map makers K and G.
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.
The Spanish flag, courtesy of Kamryn.
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
This is a cute book, set in Spain, about a bull who loves flowers!
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!
Spanish flan with a dark caramel syrup, just the way I like it!
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.
Today’s Christmas Around the World tour takes us to a place that is close to my heart…Costa Rica! Generally speaking, I am half English (from my dad’s side) and half Costa Rican (from my mom). This must be why I am so lovable. LOL. Anyhow, Costa Ricans really know how to fiesta, and today’s tour will show us what a Costa Rican two-week long Christmas fiesta looks like!
Costa Rican flag drawing done by Little Red.
In Costa Rica, it seems like the whole country takes vacation from the middle of December until the start of the new year. There are weeks of festivities, including Costa Rican style bull fights. Costa Rican bull fights are unique because, instead of bull fighters (banderilleros, picadores montados, and a matador) that are all trying for the ultimate goal of killing the poor bull, the Plaza de Toros (bull fighting arena) is filled mostly with people being chased around by the bull! My abuela used to get a real kick out of watching these Costa Rican toros (bulls) on television. She was all smiles.
For the nine days before Christmas, groups, including families with children, go from house to house reenacting the scene of Joseph and Mary searching for posada (shelter) at the inn. The first few houses always turn the children away as they ask for posada, but the last house always lets them in. There is also a beautiful horse parade called “El Tope Nacional” that starts on the day after Christmas. It is the largest and most famous parade in Costa Rica. Thousands of riders come from all over the country to show off their beautiful horses and skills.
Costa Rica is located in Central America. This map is compliments of my wonderful map maker.
On Christmas Eve, there is a Misa del Gallo (midnight mass) and then a cena (dinner) with tamales and other traditional foods like arroz con leche (rice pudding). No Christmas fiesta would be complete without the rompope, which is basically egg nog spiked with rum. Don’t worry, virgin rompope for the kids! The Baby Jesus completes the evening by leaving gifts under the Christmas tree.
BOOK FOR COSTA RICA: “‘Twas Nochebuena” by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
This cute book talks about Christmas traditions that are common in several Latin American countries.
The book we are reading today is a Christmas book told in English and Spanish. Many of the traditions spoken of in the book are practiced in Costa Rica, such as the fireworks, the posada, the Misa del Gallo, and the Christmas tamales. Other traditions the book speaks of, such as the pinatas, the champurrado, the mole, and the bunuelos, are traditions practiced in other Latin American countries.
Here is a vocabulary page from the book. I would review the words with your kids before listening to the book 🙂.
A short review of some of the Spanish vocabulary used in the book. This page is taken from the book itself.
Here is a link to me reading the book “‘Twas Nochebuena” aloud. Thanks to Kamryn for assisting me and to Grayson for video recording and editing.
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DESSERT FOR COSTA RICA: Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding)
I love Tish Hinojosa for her songs that she does in Spanish and English. They are great for helping kids to learn Spanish. Here is one of her Christmas songs, Arbolito, in Spanish and then in English. Barnyard Dance is another one of my favorite songs from her that my MIL, Pattee, introduced me to. It is not a Christmas song, but it is a very cute song for kids that is sung in both Spanish and English!
Arbolito by Tish Hinojosa in English Arbolito this year I am seven I have freckles, I would let you have them There comes Mamacita with ornaments And with lights to dress you I help her, but she won’t leave me with the icicles From the kitchen, cooking las comadres I smell chocolate, garlic and tamales Where is my godmother and Santa Claus No it’s not the presents I want, you know Yes, it’s just the packages to guess
Arbolito I’m fifteen years old now I can almost reach to put your star on What I wish for Christmas this year is a secret His name is – Ay mama mira! (Mom, look!) My sister won’t let me have the icicles! From the kitchen, cooking las comadres I smell chocolate, garlic and tamales Where is my godmother and Santa Claus No it’s not the presents I want, you know Yes, it’s just the packages to guess
Arbolito, now I’m thirty something How familiar is our yearly talking No, mijita(daughter), you put the ornaments Does it look like Better Homes magazine? Aw, come on now, they’re my icicles!
Pastores Venid, Pastores Llegad in Spanish En el portal de belén Hay estrellas, Sol y Luna La Virgen y San José Y el niño que está en la cuna
Pastores venid Pastores llegad Adorad al niño Adorad al niño Que ha nacido ya
Pastores venid Pastores llegad Adorad al niño Adorad al niño Que ha nacido ya
Ábreme tu pecho niño Ábreme tu corazón Que hace mucho frío afuera Y allí solo hallo calor
This year for Christmas School, we alternated learning about Christmas around the world and Christmas STEM activities. We had so much fun, that I thought I would share a few of the things we have done here on the blog!
Czech Republic is in Europe, nestled in-between Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria. One of my lovely students drew this map for school.
Each of the four Christmas Around the World posts will have a book, a traditional dessert from that country, and a song related to the country. I think it would be fun to do this each of the four evenings before Christmas. Just after dinner, you can gather to listen to (or read) the story and then enjoy the dessert while listening to the song! I hope you enjoy this short tour of Christmas around the world!
The Czech flag, drawn by another one of my best students ❤.
In the Czech Republic, the Christmas feast is had on Christmas Eve where fish soup or fried fish are served with potato salad. While the meal is being eaten, the “little Jesus” leaves presents under the tree. The presents are opened that same evening and religious families will attend a midnight mass.
Throughout the holidays, neighbors exchange and families enjoy plates full of Christmas cookies in many varieties. One of the cookies that is commonly found are Linzer Cookies.
BOOK FOR CZECH REPUBLIC: “Good King Wenceslas” by John M. Neale and Tim Ladwig
Here is a link to me reading “Good King Wenceslas” aloud. Thanks to Grayson for assisting me and thanks to Kamryn for video recording and editing. Enjoy!
This is one of my favorite Christmas books. The music, with all the verses, is printed at the end.
TRADITIONAL DESSERT FOR THE CZECH REPUBLIC: Linzer Cookies. I bought some at the store, but here is a recipe you could try if you are feeling ambitious!
This Costa Rican style rice (Arroz Arreglada) is cooked an 8 quart instant pot. It reminds me of my abuela’s kitchen ❤. Makes a great side dish for Christmas tamales!
Indgredients: -4 c. Goya Jasmine Rice, rinsed and drained (this is the closest in flavor to the rice you can find in Costa Rica) -4 c. chicken broth -3 T. ghee (or oil of preference) -1 t. salt -half of a 3.5 oz package of achiote (I have only used the paste, not the powder) -1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced -1/2 c. diced onion -1/2 c. diced carrots -1/2 c. diced celery -1/2 c. diced red bell pepper -1/4 c. chopped up cilantro
In an 8qt. Instant Pot, saute the vegetables in the ghee until garlic and onion are fragrant. Crumble the achiote into the pot. Some people dissolve the achiote first, but I don’t. Add the remaining ingredients. Make sure all the bits of rice are in the liquid. Any rice not in the liquid has the potential of not cooking. Cook for 3 or 4 minutes and do a 10 minute natural release. Fluff and serve!
I wrote this poem some years back as part of the entertainment for a church Christmas gathering. It celebrates the fact that the events that happened in Bethlehem so many years ago are still relevant now. The poem is divided into four sections, each accompanied by a Christmas carol that was sung by four different small groups. The final song was sung by the entire audience.
Our little Christmas tree from our Cabin Christmas we had a few years back.
Jesus Christ is called by several names in the Bible. One of my favorite parts of this poem is that it highlights several of these Biblical names, such as Our Peace or God of Comfort. As the names are seen in the poem, the Biblical references are listed as footnotes.
Since Christmas Eve gatherings may look a little different this year, I thought it would be fun to dig this little number out and do it with my family or over Zoom with friends. Maybe you would like to have a poem-reading and song-singing Christmas Eve too!
In Bethlehem
Neither scholar, nor philanthropist, Nor wise, nor rich am I. Still, I feel His spirit near— Soft as a lullaby.
No tales have been told of my sweet-tempered soul, No record rings of my righteousness, But still, I kneel and trust in His grace, My sullied spirit to soothe and bless.
It was Thee that still night, amid heavenly host, Both a babe and a light to the nations. Thee whom shepherds did seek as they tended their sheep, Thou Captain of Man’s Salvation!1
Though I be no king nor shepherd To attend on Judea’s great plain, Anthems swell on my ear as though I were there To bask in the angelic strain.
Song: “Angels We Have Heard on High”
That vibrant new star never peered through my sky, Guiding me through the night to His manger, But when darkness enshrouds, His brilliance doth blaze. God of Comfort2—command me from danger!
The years have waxed on, even mountains have aged, Since that blest noble night of His birth. Still, as fresh as the first gentle sigh of Our Peace3, Sing chords of His holy dissension to Earth.
His whole healing hands never touched my blind eyes, His robes…ne’er within my reach. Yet, I feel His embrace and my vision awakens. I am raised with each word He doth teach.
Never touched I the prints of the nails in His hands Or His feet when He overthrew death, But warm tears fill my eyes when I think of the babe. Silent now—I hear His first breath.
Song: “Silent Night”
Neither mighty kings nor conquerors Nor men of legend are we, Yet our Spiritual Rock4 did lay Himself low That we might ransomed be.
Our privilege and wealth are not fabled abroad That the world should desire what they see. Never stirred by such gilding is our King of Kings5! For abundance of heart looketh He.
We never did know gentle Joseph— Carpenter, disciple of the Craftsman of Life. Still, each of us forged from the Artisan’s hand, Figures fashioned for joy—to rise above strife.
We never did meet Mother Mary As She watched the child Jesus at play, Yet our hearts are reigned in, as if we recall What She felt on that first Christmas day.
Song: “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
Our two sandaled feet never kicked up the dust Down the beaten old paths that He trod. Still, we strive to follow His footsteps, And walk in the ways of our God.
As young ones, we never were suffered To draw near and rest on His knee. Yet, He bids us to become like children, Until His will, not ours, we do see.
After tempest and fire, do we sit in the dark? Is that His voice that quiets our fear? Do we gaze past the rubble to meet his sweet face? Yes! Here He is still…always standing so near.
Though we were not present to witness That new dawn’s resplendent first light, With the world we rejoice at the miracle born In Bethlehem that night.
Song: “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem”
Final Song: “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”
-Laura Briggs-Fenn 2010
1- Heb 2:10 2- 2 Cor 1:3 3- Eph 2:14 4- 1 Cor 10:4 5- 1 Tim 6:15
(Unless specific permission has been granted, this poem is for personal home or small gathering use only.)
