by Martina, age 7 from Barcelona, Spain, asks Santa for a Christmas crack recipe, the Mediterranean coast, and Spain’s Three Kings Day tradition.
Martina from Barcelona, Spain
Dear Santa,
My name is Martina, and I am seven years old. I live in Barcelona, Spain, where my abuela says the real big gift-giving day is not even Christmas, it is a whole different holiday in January.
Dear Martina, your abuela knows her holidays well, and I will admit I am only one part of Spain’s wonderfully generous winter season.
I hope you and the reindeer are ready, because my abuela says the workshop must be preparing two rounds of gifts for a country like ours.
Two rounds exactly, Martina, and my colleagues the Three Kings handle the second round beautifully every year.
Santa, I have some important questions.
First, can you give me a Christmas crack recipe? My cousin in America told me about it and it sounds delicious.
I certainly can, Martina. Line a tray with saltine crackers, pour over a bubbling mix of melted butter and brown sugar, bake it briefly until golden, then spread melted chocolate on top and let it cool before breaking it into pieces. It is sweet, salty, and dangerously easy to eat an entire tray of in one sitting, ask any of my elves.
Second, my teacher says Barcelona sits right on the Mediterranean Sea. Is that true?
It is true, Martina, Barcelona’s coastline along the Mediterranean makes for one of the prettiest approaches on my entire European route, city lights meeting dark water right at the shore.
Third, do you like the Sagrada Familia, since my abuela says it has been under construction for over a hundred years?
I love it, Martina, and your abuela is right, that beautiful church has been slowly rising over Barcelona’s skyline for well over a century. I always take an extra loop around it just to admire the progress.
Fourth, my abuela says the Three Kings, not you, bring the biggest presents in Spain, on January 6th. Is that true?
It is very true, Martina, and I say this with nothing but respect for my colleagues. Many Spanish families save their biggest gifts for Epiphany, January 6th, when the Three Kings arrive after their long journey following the star to Bethlehem, celebrated with parades called cabalgatas in cities all across Spain. I am happy to bring a little cheer in December, but the Kings truly know how to close out the season properly.
Fifth, do you eat turron, since my abuela always has some ready?
I do, Martina, that almond nougat might be one of the most requested treats on my entire Spanish route.
I also have some follow-up questions.
Do the reindeer like the beach nearby?
They are curious about it, mostly confused by why the snow refuses to show up so close to the water.
Is it true Spanish Christmas lasts until January?
It is true, Martina, Spain’s holiday season stretches generously all the way to the Three Kings, longer than in many other countries.
Do you work together with the Three Kings?
We coordinate closely, Martina, nobody wants two deliveries showing up on the same rooftop by accident.
Do Spanish kids leave you turron instead of cookies?
Quite a few do, and I have never once turned a piece down.
Thank you for reading my letter, Santa. My abuela checked my spelling but the questions are mine.
Your abuela raised a curious letter writer, Martina. Keep enjoying this whole long, generous season, from my December visit all the way to the Kings in January. Merry Christmas to your whole family.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Martina Ruiz
Barcelona, Spain
P.S. Can you save me a piece of the Christmas crack you make from my recipe?
I will try, Martina, though I make no promises once the elves catch the smell of it baking.
