by Lucia, age 9, asks how Christmas is celebrated worldwide, about the Pyrenees, and the Three Kings
Dear Santa,
Hola from Madrid. My name is Lucia and I am 9 years old. Here the biggest gift-giving day is not the 25th at all, it is the 6th of January, when the Three Kings arrive, and every year my brother and I leave our shoes out with hay for their camels the night before.
My first question is: how is Christmas celebrated around the world?
My second question is geography: what mountain range separates Spain from France?
My third question is from school: who are the Three Kings, and why do Spanish children wait for them?
I left you turron, a sweet almond nougat, and a small glass of warm milk.
Love, Lucia, age 9, Madrid, Spain
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Lucia, turron is one of my absolute favourites, and I always look forward to Spain on my route. Now, to your wonderful questions.
How is Christmas celebrated around the world?
It truly changes from place to place. In parts of Scandinavia, families celebrate with a big meal on the evening of the 24th. In the Philippines, the season stretches on for months with star lanterns everywhere. In your own Spain, the Three Kings share gift-giving duties alongside me, arriving on the 6th of January. Some countries decorate palm trees instead of firs, some countries eat fried chicken as a Christmas tradition, and some celebrate in the middle of summer with a barbecue on the beach. What stays wonderfully consistent everywhere is family, food, and a bit of extra kindness, wrapped in whatever local tradition fits best.
What mountain range separates Spain from France?
The Pyrenees mountains run along the border between Spain and France, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. They are rugged and beautiful, and in winter they are popular with skiers from both countries.
Who are the Three Kings?
The Three Kings, also called the Magi or Wise Men, are figures from the Christmas story said to have followed a bright star to bring gifts to the newborn Jesus. In Spain and many other countries, they are celebrated on the 6th of January, known as Epiphany, when children traditionally receive gifts, sometimes even more than on Christmas Day itself. That is exactly why you and your brother leave your shoes and hay out, ready for their long journey by camel.
Leave those shoes out again this year, and I shall see you a little before they do.
Ho ho ho, Santa
