Christmas is Confusing
A few years ago, my husband, daughter and I made the decision to move to Spain. We love the beachside laid back lifestyle. However, Christmas was so confusing.
I was born in the UK, married to a New Zealander and having lived in 4 other countries, mine and my husband's tradition for Christmas consists of presents on Christmas day, family meal (eating and drinking too much) and repeating the process the next day, known as Boxing Day.
But here in Spain, it is different.
Christmas Eve is when families gather together and celebrate. Presents are exchanged and they enjoy a family meal.
Christmas Day is a day off to recover and go to church.
Boxing Day doesn't exist. It is a normal work day.
Janaury 6th is Spain's Christmas Day - known as Three Kings Day, this is when the adults tend to give their main Christmas gift.
However, the different cultural traditions allow our family to spend more time together.
Our daughter and her Spanish partner spend Christmas Eve with his family. They spend Christmas Day with us and the 6th January back with his family. No arguments about which family to visit which year.
We have 3 different cultures within our family but the differences mean we all get to celebrate our own traditional Christmas without compromising our culture and more importantly, the time we spend with our loved ones.
When we first arrived in Spain, Christmas was confusing. Now we embrace the different cultures and the benefits they bring us all.
Merry Christmas where ever you are and however you celebrate. Enjoy the family time and holidays.
Recent Comments
6
What is really cool about that too, Karen is that you have three different celebrations too! More Holiday!
Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁
Jeff
So true!
Seeing Spain from an airplane during Kings days is absolutely stunning... the whole country seems enlighted . Just AWE
Merry Christmas!
I identify with some of those cultures
It is different everywhere
But it doesn't change the way that I've always celebrated it :)
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3 different countries and 3 different celebrations, that sounds like a lot of recovery time. Lol.
Stephen
Stephen, If only, lol.
Unfortunately, allergic to alcohol and gluten intolerant means I'm the sober one who doesn't over eat. No recovery needed.
Have a nice Christmas Stephen.
Ahh the designated driver. I’m a kiwi and now I understand your husband , lol. Only joshing.
Have a fantastic Christmas.
Stephen
P.S. no egg nog for you.