I’m staying in Spain over the holidays. Seeing family and friends would be so refreshing, but I’m sticking with my immersion. Unfortunately, the Spaniards I know (the young teachers) have gone home to see their families. On the other hand, my choir connections are serving me well. The younger family members of the Moms and Grandfathers I sing with are coming to town, so I won't be alone.
From the outset, I should just say that Christmas is celebrated a little differently here. It sounds obvious, but a forewarning is due. Back home, Christmas is a pretty peaceful, if not boring day. For the kids with their new toys it can be pretty exciting, but as you get older, the new toys are less enticing and what you really want to do is see friends. But, it seems taboo to call them to go out, so you wait until the 26th when you can continue as normal.
In Spain, Santa Claus doesn’t come around on Christmas. So back when you were seven and wondering how he could possibly make it to every house in one night, (even if you understood that the time zones could give him an edge) he skipped Spain. The presents don’t come until the 5th of January, and they’re not in St. Nick’s pack, it’s the wise men that bring them. So since the boys and the girls aren’t over-eagerly trying to sleep in anticipation of presents, they’re out at the nightclubs and bars. That’s right. As was explained to me, Christmas Eve is celebrated pretty much like New Year’s Eve in Spain.
After the midnight mass I meet Joaquim and Fran, the sons of a singing mom, and we head to a small bar where they are reunited with childhood friends. I’m introduced to too many people, drinks are shared, and good times are had. But I simply don’t have the staying power for an all-night party like the Spaniards do. By 5 in the morning, I’ve had me fun and I’m ready for bed. I curiously ask what times the others thought they would be turning in. 6? 7? Yeah, of course, it's Christmas. 9? 10? I never got a solid answer. Only shrugs and indifferent expressions that told me they would go home when they were finally tired, and from the looks of it, that wouldn’t be anytime soon.
I haven’t been posting quite as often as I’d set out to, and I’d like to fix that. With my time off I plan to put up at least a couple more entries, and then to continue more regularly in the New Year. I do enjoy writing, but I’m still hesitant about the blogging space. I feel exposed. I’m not exactly the person you’d see competing to get on a cheap TV show. And on the other hand, I didn’t even know if there were readers. That was, until my posting waned. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with requests to keep blogging. It really makes a difference. So please, leave a comment once in a while so I know you’re reading.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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