Quote:
Originally Posted by GeoLib
This is what happens in Spain, at least in my home. I will be going home to my mother and brothers. We will not have any traditional dishes, since my mother decided it was the perfect time to try new things. Since last time I talked to her I think she’s changed her mind a couple of times so we will have to wait till Christmas Eve and Christmas day to see what we’re having this year. Anyway, there are very many different traditional dishes all over the country. Dessert is what I think we all have in common, there’s a traditional Christmas sweet called turrón made from almonds, honey, sugar and eggs (it’s great if you have a sweet tooth, if not I wouldn’t recommend it). Its origins are very old and probably have something to do with the Arabs (though I’m no expert). It’s eaten through all the holiday season.
Traditionally we would have gone to mass at night, but lately since it’s being held earlier and that means we are busy at the kitchen not all the family attends.
However, I think the main difference with most of you would be that, Santa didn’t come to leave us presents. That was the task left for the Three Kings who were busy on the night of the 5th January. That night you have to leave your very clean shoe near a window, with a nice offering of milk for the camels and probably turrón for Their Majesties and their pages. The morning of the 6th January is obviously just as busy and chaotic as those Christmas you have described. We carry on with more food because the traditional breakfast on this day is hot chocolate with a special kind of pastry (roscón de reyes). Lately parents are starting to let Santa come to their houses instead of the Kings, probably because that way kids get more time to play with their new toys. However, I will write my letter to their Majesties and leave a very clean shoe on the 5th in hopes of getting what I asked for.
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Its been a long time since I've attended, a long time, but I remember going to midmight mass on Christmas eve. A very lovely, spiritual experience.
Are you saying that there is no longer a midnight mass? That it begins earlier?
Thank you for sharing.
