In 5th-8th grades Spanish classes, besides THE regular learning, students are discovering the magic of living a NAVIDAD en ESPAñA. Since my family and I got to spend Christmas in Spain, I can't stop telling stories to my students. Many have already heard the differences and similarities with the celebration of the season over here, and are fascinated by how traditional, family and especially child oriented this holiday is.

This was my kids' first Christmas in Spain, and I've enjoyed it tremendously feeling like a third child trying to explain to them and living every moment through my childhood eyes. Back to class, it's been extraordinary to share this experience while teaching culture to my students. 

Samples of what I've shared: 

The lottery 'el gordo' (the fat one) the most popular of the year which happens only right before Christmas Day. About family gatherings, food, special pastries and sweets, what you might find in the 3 Kings' ring cake. Midnight Mass. Kissing baby Jesus after masses. Visiting local hospitals, stores, retiring homes to admire the beautiful, antique Nativity scene displays, which sometimes are as big as a room. Eating 12 grapes at midnight at the 'dong' of each bell. The arrival of the Three Magi to my town, meeting kids, going on a parade, adoring newborn Jesus. Getting the Christmas gifts on the Epiphany..... WOW it's been incredible to share our experience and heritage... Still students are asking me about our holidays when they have a chance.

I truly hope that your Christmas season was as special and magic as our family's.