I previously wrote about the Immaculate Conception of Mary on December 8th. I don't quite know how all of the religious part works with the birth of Jesus being less than a month later but that isn't important for the purpose of my blog. Inma's Son, Daughter-in-law, and their two children came over and Inma made a ton of food. They stayed for hours and we talked and ate and had a good time. It reminded me of Thanksgiving back home a little bit. The following days the Christmas tree and decorations around town and in my flat were being put up and stores began their Christmas sales.
Then December 24th came. I was invited to Inma's Daughter-In-Laws families house for diner. Again there was tons of food! We ate mussels, ham, nuts, eels, prawn, and other types of fish. I could tell that the kids were getting antsy and Inma's grandson kept getting up and checking to see if he could see Santa. As the table was almost done getting cleared the kids ran outside. Apparently, Santa had come during dinner and brought some of their toys. They ran inside with their presents and soon the hallway was filled with wrapping paper and family wanting to see what they got. Angel, Inma's son, then turned to me and a family member my age and told us that there was something for us out there from Santa as well. It was a stocking with candy inside which was a very nice surprise. Then once the kids had calmed down and the paper was slightly organized Inma handed me a present. I opened it and it was a gold tealight candle holder. As I was not expected to be exchanging gifts until the morning I told her I had gifts for her back home. We all returned to the dinning room and there were snacks and drinks on the table. The kids played with their toys and asked parents to put things together as the adults sat around and talked for a while. Here I had the opportunity to explain Christmas back home and I was told that Santa would also visit the Children's home through the night leaving presents for the morning but he brings one or two the night before. Also, they had another day, even bigger called "el dia de los reyes magos" (the day of the 3 kings) We then all left and went our separate directions.
When I woke up the next morning Inma was making Paella already and I was happy. I was told that it is normal to eat Paella on Christmas. As Inma was finishing with Paella and about to get ready to serve, I told her to go into the living room and she immediately saw the presents that I got her. I had given her oven mits, a statue of liberty ornament, and coffee for her coffee maker as it is a little pricey and I knew she didn't like spending money on it herself. She was so happy and loved all of it. She then gave me another gift that she said she was going to give me on the day of the 3 kings, it was a mardi gras type mask and it was beautiful. We then ate our Paella and spent a little time together. Later that night she went to Church and I watched some of my favorite Christmas movies.
Then Dan came on the 28th (I will post about what we did while he was here later as I want to focus on the Holidays.) And New Years Eve quickly approached. Inma had told me that everyone goes out to Plaza del Sol and waits for the clock to strike 12 and then eats twelve grapes, one for every ring, and for each one you eat on the ring you will have a month of good luck. Then you toast with Champagne and kiss your love. The Plaza was filled with people and we had a fair share of crazies out there with us, including a guy who climbed up onto a street light post (note: they aren't as high here as they are at home but they are a little higher than a stop sign). Once midnight hit everyone screamed and sadly we weren't able to hear the rings but we still ate our grapes, toasted, and kissed. Then everyone started spraying Champagne and getting a little too crazy. It was til this point that we had thought about going out dancing or for a drink but we decided not too. The disco's were charging 20 euro for entry and most the bars we passed were closed so we went home, put in a movie, and drank some Sangria. It was a good night to me!
Now most of you think that this ends the Holiday season back home and everyone now becomes depressed and sad. Not in Spain. They then begin preparing for "El dia de los reyes magos" (Day of the 3 Kings) which is bigger than Christmas back home. Again, don't ask me how it relates to the bible you can do that research on your own, But it began on January 5th with a parade through the center of town. EVERYONE from Castellon was at this parade, I swear not a single person stayed in their house, the streets were filled with people. The bands began with songs and then the floats filled with kids and adults throwing candy, not tossing candy, but throwing it, like a fast ball. It hurt when it hit you and I didn't get many pictures as I was trying to protect myself. They also threw a lot more than you usually see back in the states and even the parents were going crazy to get it. It was short but a lot of fun. Then the kids go home or to different families homes and have dinner. This dinner was more for individual families so I did not go with my host mom's grandchildren but I was told that the kings stopped by their dinner and gave them each an early present to open.
Then on January 6th the Children wake up really early and open their presents that the kings left them. Inma's grandchildren also stopped by to open their gift from her and tell her about their gifts. They were full of excitement and probably sugar!
Now the holidays are officially over and decorations are slowly being taken town in the house and throughout town. I have successfully completed my first Christmas away from home and I hope it will be my last that I have to be away from my family. I will say that without my lovely host family here I would not have made it through.
Now I am off to enjoy my last few days with Dan. I will post about our adventures once he leaves and my finals are over on Friday and before I prepare for my trip to London!
Hasta Lluego (See you soon)
