by Sofia, age 9, asks Papa Noel do you bring presents on Christmas Eve in Spain?, about the Sierra de Guadarrama, and Spain’s Three Kings Day
Dear Papa Noel,
My name is Sofia and I am 9 years old. I live in Madrid, Spain, where my family eats twelve grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, one for each strike of the clock, and everyone always chokes on at least one grape.
First, do you bring presents on Christmas Eve in Spain?
Second, a geography question: what mountain range is near Madrid?
Third, a school question about my country: why do Spanish families also celebrate Three Kings Day with gifts in January?
I left you a slice of roscon de reyes and milk.
Love, Sofia, age 9, Madrid, Spain, Madrid, Spain
From the Desk of Papa Noel
Dear Sofia, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you bring presents on Christmas Eve in Spain?
Christmas Eve, yes, though I share the season here with the Reyes Magos, who bring the main round of gifts a couple weeks later on January 6th.
What mountain range is near Madrid?
The Sierra de Guadarrama rises up just north of Madrid, its peaks often capped with snow by December, making for a beautiful, crisp landmark as the sleigh comes down toward the city.
Why do Spanish families also celebrate Three Kings Day with gifts in January?
In Spain, many children receive their main gifts not from me but on January 6th, Three Kings Day, when the Reyes Magos, the Three Wise Men, are said to arrive with presents, following the same star that led them to the baby Jesus in the Christmas story.
Feliz Navidad, Sofia.
Ho ho ho, Papa Noel
