by Marcos, age 7, asks Papa Noel your name means Father Christmas in Spanish. Are you like Santa?, about the Sierra de Guadarrama, and Spain’s Three Kings Day
Dear Papa Noel,
My name is Marcos and I am 7 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, your name means Father Christmas in Spanish. Are you like Santa?
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 a cup of tea.
Love, Marcos, age 7, Madrid, Spain, Madrid, Spain
From the Desk of Papa Noel
Dear Marcos, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Your name means Father Christmas in Spanish. Are you like Santa?
Exactly that, the very same fellow, simply dressed in the Spanish language.
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, Marcos.
Ho ho ho, Papa Noel
