Happy New Year 2018! It’s a time for new beginnings and resolutions. One of my recurrent resolutions is to travel and explore as much as possible so I hope that you’ll stay with me in 2018 and that we share our adventures.
Some of you asked to see how we celebrate Christmas in Spain so today I’m showing you a recap of my holidays. As you’ll see, it’s not that different from what other countries do but there are a few curiosities you may not know about.
It all starts with the biggest lottery event of the year on the 22nd of December. Getting Christmas lottery is a huge tradition and some people start buying tickets during summer. Places like companies, schools or bars have a number that they buy every year so if you work in one of those places you are bound to get at least one ticket because no-one wants to be the loser.
The next big event is dinner on Christmas Eve. We travel to visit our families, eat traditional Spanish food, catch up with the family, sing Christmas carols, play games and we even hold a raffle which is so much fun! The dinner consists of a few appetizers that are similar to assorted tapas and also seafood, then we have a main dish which can be lamb or turkey. Finally, my favorite part: dessert. Spanish traditional Christmas sweets have two essential ingredients, almonds and honey.
If you ask me there’s no Christmas without a hot chocolate. It can be for breakfast, afternoon snack or dinner. Churros or pastries are our favorite things to dunk.
On New Year’s Eve we cook a dinner that’s pretty similar to the one on Christmas Eve. Then, we eat the 12 lucky grapes. You won’t be familiar with this tradition unless you’ve spent Christmas holidays in Spain. After the NYE dinner, we eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight. It is believed that whoever eats their 12 grapes as the bells chime (one for each of the twelve chimes) will have a lucky and prosperous year. And let me tell you something, this is not an easy task!
El Roscón and The Three Wise Men
You may wonder “where’s Santa Claus?” Well, we do have Papá Noel and he stops at most houses these days (he didn’t when I was a kid) but in Spain the tradition is that The Three Wise Men are the ones who leave presents under the Christmas tree on the night of January 5th. In many houses both of them bring presents, in some Santa Claus is preferred since it allows children to play with their presents during the whole Christmas break. It actually depends on each family.
Winter sales start the day after The Three Wise Men leave. Those cunning shop owners… Shoppers looking for the best deals are mixed with those returning failed presents. So shops are pretty packed on this day.
How did you spend the holidays?
xo Cristina
ENTERTAINING ESSENTIALS
It sounds like a wonderful way to spend the Holidays! Spain is on my bucket list!! We spent the Holidays going to church, opening gifts, and eating great food! Happy New Year!
Sounds like a lot of fun. I hope you have a wonderful new year.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
haha i've never heard of the 12 lucky grapes tradition but I love it!
All these food pictures are making me go crazy. This is the best way to spend the holidays, hands down!
– http://www.allshethings.com
Amazing food, looks like so much fun!
Happy Newyear!
Love,
Angela
http://www.angelavissers.com
This was so interesting! Love hearing about Spain's traditions and normalities.
Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
Omg the food looks amazing! It's making me hungry lol!
Lauren
https://www.basicbabelauren.com
So interesting to see how different places celebrate festivals differently. Loved getting a peak into your holiday spread and decorations.
❥ tanvii.com
I love hearing about different traditions and all of these food pics are making be soooo hungry! Beautiful post – I can't wait to see all of the success 2018 has in store for you 🙂 Also, check out this really useful/inspiring article on The Newsette – it has some really great and unique tips on how to make the most of your success in blogging this year! https://thenewsette.com/2018/01/02/5-tips-influencers-successful-2018/
Qué fotos más bonitas!! Qué buena pinta tiene todo!! Y qué rico el chocolate a la taza!! Feliz Año Nuevo guapa!!
Besicos!!
Great looking food always makes the best occasions! Happy New Year! x
Oh yum, the food all looks so good! I hadn't head of the grape tradition though, what a fun (although tricky) way to celebrate the new year! 🙂
Happy new year! Hope that 2018 is off to an amazing start for you, and you had a wonderful Christmas time.
Away From The Blue Blog
Very interesting. The 12 grapes is an eye opener. And I didn't know the 3 wise men leave presents. Thank you
http://www.muttonstyle.com
Really cool! I hope 2018 brings you immeasurable JOY!
Enjoy your vacation and the great food in Spain. Happy New Year and thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.
What wonderful traditions! I love the twelve grape one, very cool!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
This was so interesting to read Cristina, thank you for sharing! I love the 12 grapes tradition and the outcome of that tradition for being able to do that. i think I could 😉 The stores about the 3 wise men leaving presents is also something that was new to me.. and i do love hot chocolate!
Best wishes to you in 2018!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Happy New Year, Cristina!!! Looks like you guys had a great time in Spain! I love the Christmas sweater 🙂 All the best for 2018!
~Lor
The food looks amazing! Definitely want to go back to Spain soon, I loved it there! Have a wonderful 2018!
Marije | thegfguide.com
I loved this! Thanks for teaching me something new! I love the tradition of the Three Wise Men bringing presents!
Interesting! Your celebration sounds so fun and festive!
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
I've heard of the grapes tradition! Loved reading about your others!
xo, Carey
https://thedaintydetails.wordpress.com