The Christmas season is over already? Not in Spain!

España: La Navidad (Christmas)

Whew! We made it though another Christmas season! It's always a bitter sweet time of year. The anticipation of Christmas morning is exciting and intense. And in one big whirlwind of family, friends, food, drinks, and gifts we find ourselves waking up the next day (for my family the Christmas celebrations last the 24th, 25th, and the 26th) feeling happy, full, exhausted, and a little sad that it is all over! Then we have a couple days to get ready for the New Year's celebrations!

In Spain, the Christmas celebrations are not over yet, and the biggest present day has yet to come! Some of you may be thinking: What?!?!? When do children receive their presents? Receiving presents on Christmas day is more of an American tradition that is starting to become more popular around the world. However, the big day for receiving gifts in Spain (and many historically Catholic nations) is January 6th: Día de los Reyes (Kings Day or also know as Epiphany Day). This is the day that the Three Wise Men arrived to the inn where Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus were staying. On this day, Jesus was given gifts from the Three Wise Men and, for that reason, it is the day in which Spaniards give gifts to their families and loved ones. So, if some of you are late giving Christmas gifts to friends and loved ones, don't worry! Do as the Spaniards do and give your gift on Día de los Reyes!

Below:

The streets of Granada, Spain (and many other Spanish cities) are still decorated with Holiday Lights! It's a beautiful time of year to visit Spain and stroll the festive streets.