Feliz Navidad

I thought you might enjoy knowing a little more about how the Spaniards celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

Though, it is usually a last minute rush for the women, Christmas is a family affair. Christmas Eve, “Noche Buena” as it is known in Spanish, on the actual day starts earlier more likely for the older members of the family by attending midnight mass -which is rarely at midnight now - it is usually at eight or nine o’clock. After the mass, they all go to the designated in-Laws’ to have dinner.

The meal, at least in Andalucía, mainly consists of cold dishes where vast amounts of sea food, in particular “gambas” are the protagonists, cold cuts, cheese, ensaladilla and other similar dishes are served. In some homes they will prepare a hot meal with fish and “papas pobres” (sliced potatoes and onions are slow-baked in the oven with gallons of olive oil and salt) and in even fewer will they serve turkey. The houses are characterized not so by the decorations but by the cold temperature, given – as no doubt you have experienced yourself - they were not designed for this weather! People keep warm around “la mesa camilla” which is a tall (80 cm) table in the centre of the three piece suite. This is no ordinary table not only does it have a long tablecloth reaching the floor, but under it there is an electric heater. Everyone is sat around the table, using the tablecloth as a blanket over their legs, eating the meal whilst watching TV. At midnight, they drink and hug each other. Younger members of the family swiftly depart into the darkness and to nightclubs. Generally, as they do not have the tradition of Father Christmas, no gifts are exchanged, save a little something for the children which is left next to the Nativity.

That brings us to New Year. Many families have dinner at home along the same lines as Christmas. However, others go to “cotillones” (parties) until the small hours. What is actually fascinating is that in many homes they have a lot of rituals upon the clock striking twelve, yes indeed. The majority of them with a glass of cava in their hand manage to have a grape with each strike, making a wish for the coming year, a few do it standing on a chair allowing evil spirits to pass under it. Others also brush water out of the house to cleanse it, whilst some with a suitcase come in and out of the house as many times as possible to signify many trips for that year. Women usually wear red underware but the trick here is that it has to be new and a gift from a friend not bought, otherwise you will not be blessed with good luck!