Once Thanksgiving is over it is time to get into full-fledged Christmas mode. Why not take the opportunity to spice up your holiday season this year by celebrating Christmas Spanish style! You could plan a trip to Mexico or Spain to enjoy the festivities and experience how another culture celebrates Christmas or you could simply recreate your Christmas into a cultural experience right in the comfort of your own home by adopting some of the traditions.
A Spanish Christmas follows many of the traditions that the rest of the world engages in at Christmas. In Spanish-speaking countries Christmas Eve, or la Nochebuena, is celebrated on December 24. Typically, families get together to enjoy each others company and indulge in special meals, food and drinks. Traditional dishes are served however these traditional foods can vary depending on which country you are in. For instance in some countries the traditional dish may be tamales and empanadas. In Spain the main dish is turkey while in some South American Spanish-speaking countries cold dishes are served as Christmas occurs during their summer time.
The festivities for Las Navidades usually start in the beginning of December and can last all the way until the first week in January. Of course Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the exchanging of gifts and this is no different in Spanish-speaking countries during Las Navidades. Like English-speaking countries, the Spanish-speaking countries participate in the exchanging of gifts on December 25.
A great way to really celebrate a Spanish Christmas is to learn Spanish. Of course during this season it is very appropriate to wish someone a Merry Christmas. To do this in Spanish you would say Feliz Navidad, just like the song!
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