Christmas in Spain

Each Christmas saw a change as our kids got older. However, decorating the tree with my girls,  singing along to Michael BublĂ© & sipping on a Melbec never did! However, It was hard as a mum to accept that I no longer needed to nibble carrots, sprinkle flour on the floor or find out where Santa was on a minute by minute basis... I suppose at 20 it got a tad embarrassing for them lol. Over the years, we spent some memorable quality time as a blended family. Which is something I will always cherish, and have hundreds of photos to look back on. Then there was Christmas in Spain... 

Our Christmas permanently changed when we moved to Spain. 

The magic that was Christmas, faded totally beacuse I made a conscious decision to experience Christmas in Spain differently. Ultimately to protect my emotions, with some new, non family focused traditions. A more relaxed, cheaper and commercial free holiday season. 

We agreed, as a couple
  • not to buy for each other
  • stop sending out Christmas cards (preferring to donate to charities instead) 
  • put up minimal decorations
  • not to cook a traditional Christmas dinner (wth?!?!) 
Before you say it, we aren't being ba-humbug. We've simply chosen to go against the 'norm' to make Christmas how we want it, or need it, to fit around our lifestyle here in Spain. Ultimately to enjoy it, rather than regret. 

Do I miss Christmas Past? 

Yes and No. Christmas in Spain is just different. There's no more breaking the bank, flexing the credit card, fighting the crowds, writing lists and checking it twice. No more cleaning & cooking a feast like the King himself was coming to stay, or trying to keep up with the latest Instagrammable Christmas decoration trends. I certainly don't miss that 5lb that creeps up on you.

We're blessed with our freedom, good health, happiness, and the knowledge that our immediate family are too. Which are invaluable gifts that money just can't buy, nor be wrapped in a box with a pretty bow on top. 

Our Christmas in Spain is quiet. It's different. It's become our new norm. 

I do miss some of our old traditions. Christmas games that took weeks of planning. Sitting together as one big family. Stockings at the end of the bed regardless of age! I mostly miss having young 'kids' at this magical time. But our girls now have their own Christmas customs, with some enjoying their own family traditions, and version of Santa's little helper for our grandchildren (I'm smiling now, just thinking of this). 

The Christmas-tinsel-decorated baton has been handed down. 

What's for Christmas In Spain To Come?

Often the sun is shining down on us and after spending Christmas morning FaceTiming family and friends, we take a walk in the local countryside or beach, whilst a curry is cooking in the slow cooker. We cosy up for an evening watching Christmas movies (except that one year I forgot to put the slow cooker on, and we enjoyed a liquid dinner). For us, it's now about spending quality time together as a couple, and watching from the side lines as our family and friends enjoy theirs In the UK 

Wherever you are; 
Whoever you're with; 
Whatever you're doing; 
However you celebrate it.

I hope that your Christmas is a good one, with peace, understanding, kindness and love.

Feliz Navidad x




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