by Pablo, age 8, asks Papa Noel do Spanish children leave out treats for you?, about the Sierra de Guadarrama, and Spain’s Three Kings Day
Dear Papa Noel,
My name is Pablo and I am 8 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 Spanish children leave out treats for you?
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 polvorones and tea.
Love, Pablo, age 8, Madrid, Spain, Madrid, Spain
From the Desk of Papa Noel
Dear Pablo, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do Spanish children leave out treats for you?
Very often, turron, a nougat candy, alongside a small glass of warm milk, which I look forward to every December.
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, Pablo.
Ho ho ho, Papa Noel
