Christmas

How Christmas celebrated in Spain?

Christmas celebrations in Spain is full of joy. It is a relaxing time, being in the flow with the family. Eating good food, enjoying good accompany, not having anything to do other than being.

The celebrations start on the 22nd of December with the announcement of the Spanish lottery and take part until the arrival of 3 Kings on the 6th of January. 

During all these days one would eat delicious food, drink many alcohols, have a lot of conversations, listen, and sing “villancicos”- Spanish Christmas carols and meanwhile just be. The time will flow, and you will just let yourself be. That is Spanish Christmas for me. 

I was not born to a culture with Christmas and I began to experience it for the first time in Spain, Catalunya, Barcelona. For 15 years I asked my partner around the 22nd of December, ‘Ok, let me know the plan, which days are those important ones. He was explaining to me again and again for 15 years, I was listening with half ear as I enjoyed it so much to be in the flow. 

This year, to write this blog post, I am sitting down and looking at those days that are special for Christmas. To write this post is pure joy for me, it is a kind of ode to my second home, the land of fiestas!

Christmas traditions of Spain

Christmas celebration in Spain is full of traditions, so full of rituals, symbols, and ceremonies. This is an invitation for you to enjoy a Christmas journey to Spain from my eyes. If you are ready, me also! Let us start.

22nd of December – El Gordo

El Gordo is the Christmas Spanish lottery. It is announced on the day 22nd of December, which is kind of the last announcement before the start of the celebrations. Once El Gordo is announced, people check if they have everything ready: last gifts bought, the delicious foods prepared, the menu has been thought. Everything is ready, the magic is almost starting.

When I first started to live in Spain, I was amused by the lottery system in Spain and “El Gordo”. Each bar, school, café, restaurant, the family is sharing the same number. Imagine you are buying the same number as your family, school, neighborhood. If you win all win.

It is quite common that the parents or grandparents are buying the same number for all the family.

On the 22nd of December during the day, the Christmas lottery numbers are chosen, and they are announced by the school children singing them. This is a tradition in Spain for 400 years.  

El Gordo is important, as it has 30% of the total profit of the Spanish lottery. 

24th of December – Nochebuena

The night of the 24th of December is called Nochebuena, it is Christmas Eve. Time of the family dinner. It changes a lot according to the region what people eat on Christmas eve dinner in Spain, but if there is something common, it is that whatever you eat, it is delicious. The most quality one, prepared with love and care. 

That night all family together, children sing their “villancicos”- Christmas Spanish songs that they learn, and all the family joins them. I love this part, as these songs are beautiful and the joy of the children worth witnessing. 

That is the night, that Papa Noel-Santa Claus is coming while children are sleeping. Keep in mind that in Spain 3 Kings are more common than Santa Claus. Children write their letters mostly to 3 Kings.

But 3 Kings are coming from the East, far away. So they could not arrive earlier than the 6th of January. As the school vacations start around the 23rd of December and finish around the 7th of January, for the children to enjoy their new toys, each time Santa Claus is bringing the toys more than the kings. 

In Spain each region has its traditions and symbols, so their own Papa Noel:

• “Caga Tio (shitting uncle)” is a big part of the wood, which is shitting presents each time that the kids hit it in Catalunya
• A good-natured lumberjack called “El Esteru” in Cantabria brings all the presents with its donkey.
• “Olentzero” a coal miner in Basque Country and in Galicia “Apalpador or Pandigueiro” again a coal miner brings the presents.
• In Asturias, a fisherman called “L’Anguleru” brings the gifts to the kids. 

Midnight Misa de Gallo takes place, which is called Mass of the Rooster. As the 25th of December is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the rooster is announcing the arrival of this holy day. 

25th of December- Navidad

This is officially the day of Christmas in Spain, even though it is a period, more than just a day. After the huge dinner with the family, people continue to eat and drink with the family on Christmas day as well. This time not the dinner but the long lunch.

Again, what you eat varies according to the region. As I have lived Christmas in Barcelona, I could say that the 25th of December eating “galet” soup is common there. Galets are large shell-shaped pasta. You stuff the pasta shells with meatballs. After the long dinner of Christmas Eve, it is just what your stomach needs to start to eat again. Delicious!

26th of December – San Estaban

This day is not celebrated in all of Spain but Catalunya. It is the celebration of the day of Saint Estaban. It is common to eat Canelones this day. “Canalones” is a cylindrical type of lasagna which is cooked with the rest of the food from the day before, with “galet” soup.

28th of December – Dia de Los Santos Inocentes (Holy Innocents’ Day)

This day in Spain is celebrated as April’s fool day. People are doing jokes with each other. Even on TV and newspapers, they have permission to publish not real news.

It is weird because the story of this day is sad. It is the day when the King decided to kill all the children below 2 years old, to be able to kill the baby Jesus. Who knows maybe it is the way of dealing with trauma in our collective consciousness?

31st of December – Nochevieja

The last day of the year is celebrated with a dinner with family and friends. Just before midnight, there is a tradition of eating 12 grapes, while counting back from 12. This is the weirdest tradition I have ever lived. I mean it never makes sense to me, entering a new year with a challenge of eating 12 grapes, having your mouth full of grapes instead of hugging each other. 

There is this urban legend saying that there was this company who could not sell the grapes that year so made a marketing campaign by making up this ritual. People loved it so they continue to do so. Keep in mind that we are in January and it is not the time of the grapes and so the grapes are expensive. I do not know, I never understand this tradition. 

5th of January – Cabalgata de Reyes

This night finally Kings arrive in Spain, on their camels. In big cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, it is a huge celebration. People go with their kids to see them. The 3 Kings are coming with their big crew. It is a big celebration and a colorful show. They are throwing candies while they are passing in the parade. 

On the TV, all the channels are showing on their news the arrival of the Kings as joining to the story and creating more magic for children. 

Children write letters to 3 Kings to ask for presents and they can give their letters to 3 Kings in this parade as well if they still have not sent.

According to the story, 3 Kings followed a star to find the baby Jesus and brought gifts to him, each with symbols.

I always mix 3 Kings, so here is the list of them:

• Gaspar with brown hair and a brown beard. He brought Frankincense as a gift which symbolizes spirituality. He was the king of India. 
• Melchior has long white hair and a white beard. He brought Gold as a gift which symbolizes the Kingdom. He was the king of Persia. 
• Balthazar has black skin and a black beard. He brought myrrh as a gift which symbolizes death. He was the king of Arabia.

This night children clean their shoes and leave them outside so that 3 Kings could leave candies inside (of course if they have behaved good enough, otherwise they receive coal!), as tonight is the one 3 Kings comes to the house to leave the gifts. They also leave some food for the Kings and their camels

6th January – Dia de Reyes

This day children wake up to receive the gifts that the kings left to them. It is the day of eating “chocolate con churros (fried-dough pastry)”- at least in the family of my partner.

Also, people eat a delicious cake called Roscon de Reyes, which inside a person find a little gift which is believed that would bring good luck. 

Even though it is from the times where Christmas is celebrated more like a Carnival, inspired by the Roman feast Saturnalia. Slaves were eating this cake and inside there was a bean. That slave who was finding the bean was becoming the king for one day during the celebrations.

This day there is another lottery called Lotería del Niño, which is announced today as it is the final day of Christmas. 

Christmas desserts in Spain

Christmas dishes can vary according to the region whereas some deserts are common: ‘mazapán’ (made of almonds, sugar, and eggs), ‘turrón’ (made of honey and toasted almonds), and ‘polvorones’ (made of flour, butter, and sugar).

Cava is the champagne in Catalunya you drink through Christmas time. 

Christmas decorations in Spain

Christmas trees and the lights through all the streets are very common in Spain as Christmas decorations throughout all December. 

There is another thing I want to talk about, which is called: “Belen” or “Pesebres”. They are the nativity scenes of Jesus created by little figures by people. These could take place at home or in public places. 

These figures take an important place at the time of the Christmas decoration. People can buy these figures for their “Belen” in Christmas markets. 

There is a special figure in Catalunya to use in “Belen”, called “caganer”: shitting man. People put this figure in the hidden part of their “Belen”. 

Christmas Spanish words

• Nochebuena: Christmas Eve
• Navidad: Christmas
• Feliz Navidad: Happy Christmas
• Nochevieja: New Year’s Eve
• Feliz Nuevo Año: Happy New Year
• Reyes: 3 Kings
• Cabalgata de Reyes: 3 Kings Parade

Spain Christmas carols

I finish this post with a Christmas “villancico”.

Enjoy.

Feliz Navidad!

Christmas is coming dear friends!

After I have kids, I began to look for the meanings of the rituals and celebrations to make those days more fun and facilitating the connection for them and me.

So, these days I was making research around Christmas meaning, the history, and its pagan origins, celebrations, rituals, and traditions.

It is quite interesting and exciting I should say. If you are ready, I am so. Let us go.

Christmas history

Before continuing to read, just stop for a while. Have a deep breath and think about it, how Christmas started? Who, when, and where?

My research has shown me that we are in front of a collaborative ritual, which has been shaped by many people during human history.

Christmas is showing us our deep need to feel free, connect each other and with the One and celebrate (whatever it means to each of us).

A brief history of Christmas

What is its meaning and who started?

Christmas is the celebration of the birthday of Jesus.

In a way, we can say the Roman Emperor Constantine started Christmas. Yes, 1st Constantin, the Great Constantine, the founder of Constantinople -Istanbul, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. He was the 1st Christian Roman Emperor.

When and How did Christmas start?

Started in 336 A.D. Even though Constantine announced Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Jesus, there are many thoughts that the celebration has been inspired as the continuation of the pagan celebration of Saturnalia.

What are the Christmas pagan origins?

Those days before Christianity, there were many celebrations just at these times. In Scandinavia, Norse people were celebrating Yule from 21st December through January.

In Germany, people were honoring the Pagan God Oden and in Rome, they were honoring Saturn, the God of agriculture, during the celebrations of Saturnalia.

Saturnalia was a celebration remarkably similar to Carnival in spirit, as slaves were becoming masters and masters becoming slaves those days.

World upside down. This always astonished me to be able to live our shadows even for some days. What wisdom in the celebration. I need to read more about what Jung said about Saturnalia!

Christmas celebration

Why 25th December is celebrated as Christmas?

There is not any exact information showing the birth date of Jesus as the 25th of December, whereas we know that winter solstice is around this date all the time. Winter solstice is a celebration of the balance of the dark and the light. Time for self-reflection and the celebration of the new birth. 

Taking all this symbolic meaning into account, it makes total sense celebrating the birth of Jesus symbolically on this date as well.

It is good to remember that part of the Eastern Christian Churches celebrates on December 25 of the older Julian calendar, which currently corresponds to January 7 in the Gregorian calendar.

Why it is celebrated?

So until 336, Christmas was not celebrated and Easter was the main holiday.

With the fact that the birthday of Jesus was never declared in any place until Constantine said so and the similarity of 25th of December between the pagan celebration dates, it seems like Christmas has been started as a continuation of the celebration of a pagan culture.

How did the celebration start?

I like to imagine those days and think about the celebration mood, more than saying ok this happened and then that happened. Can we know, anyway? We all know that history has always been written with the point of view of any party, and many times unluckily, declaring the point of view of one was meaning declaring the other point of view as false.

So I like to dream of the starting of the Christmas celebration as the birth of new consciousness. People find new ways of loving and understanding what love is and they continue to celebrate in the ways that they know. It is not that this or that, it is the continuation of the story, the evolution of loving, each time more.

Until the 17th century in many places of Europe people were celebrating Christmas more like Saturnalia-Carnival spirit. Then reform in religion makes the celebration of Christmas not so normal in a sense. Even those reformist immigrants that moved to America, punished those who were celebrating Christmas in Boston between 1659 and 1681.

Then even something weirder took place in the 19th century. Americans re-invented Christmas in a way maybe with what they needed most. Christmas converted from being a crazy festival like Carnival for some, has converted to a family-centered, day of peace.

12 days of Christmas meaning

December 25th is the official start. Advent is 4 weeks before, which ends on December 24. It is mostly fasting, purification, and self-reflection time.

From Dec. 25 there are 12 days till January 6th coming of Magi or 3 wise men, called 3 kings’ day or Epiphany.

The legend says that 3 King Men came from the East following a star to bring gifts to the new King: Jesus. The gifts were incense, gold, and myraa symbolically reflecting spirituality, kingdom, and death.

So the period starts with the 25th of December which is Christmas Eve and continuing 12 days until the 6th of December, the day of 3 Kings.

How it is celebrated around the world?

Christmas can be the most spread celebration full of rituals around the world. There are many ways of celebrating it as well as common celebrations. Below I have prepared you a list of common Christmas rituals and traditions where I also explain how each of these Christmas traditions started.

1.Nativity scene display: People are creating the story of the birth of Jesus including the 3 Kings with the real objects. They decorate them at home or in public places it is very common to see such displays.

2. Christmas markets: Having Christmas markets where you can find items such as Nativity scene display decor items, Christmas trees, gifts, are taking place in many countries. These markets are bringing the celebration spirit to the town with all lights, music, smell, and ferry mood.

3. Christmas decorations: Preparing your sacred space is a very important part of the preparation of a ritual. It symbolically makes you ready for the ritual so makes it easy for you to connect.

4. Door wreaths: Before Christianity in Pagan cultures, we know that people were decorating their houses with evergreens as the symbol of eternal life. This tradition is continuing with the evergreen door wreaths.

5. Christmas trees: Where Christmas tree originated from? Bringing decorated trees tradition started in the 16th century in Germany. There is also a legend about Martin Luther that he added for the first time lighted candles to a tree inspired by the stars while he was walking home late at night.

6. Christmas Eve, a meal with family: In pagan cultures at every turning point of the season, a big celebration with a meal was a very important tradition. We see the continuation of this. Families are eating together with the most delicious food that they prepared with love and care.

7. Advent calendar: The advent calendar is a calendar starting from the 1st of December till the 24th, making it possible the count down. 

Now, you can find advent calendars with little chocolates in the supermarkets at this time of the year. 

Our little advent calendar ritual at home: After dinner, we are opening the day of the calendar that takes place. Each day a person is opening, whoever turns it is. Before opening, the person is singing the Christmas verse: ‘Navidad, Navidad dulce Navidad, alegria de este dia hay que celebrar, hey!’ meaning ‘Sweet Christmas, the happiness of this day, one has to celebrate, hey!’ and then the person is saying what he/she is celebrating that exact day for.

8. Christmas verses: I am a big fan of all kinds of spiritual songs from all different cultures from all around the world so I do also love Christmas verses. In my husband’s family, there is this tradition that on Christmas Eve night, the kids are singing one by one Christmas verses, and all others are joining.

Santa Claus: There are many different little rituals around Santa Claus that each needs special attention. First of all who Santa Claus is and the origins of this tradition.

Saint Nicholas was a saint that was born in Turkey in 280 AD. He was a rich man and gave away all that he had. Then he traveled around helping to poor and sick. He was the protector of children and sailors.

In the Netherlands there was a celebration called Sinter Klaas, honoring the death of this saint, Saint Nicholas. Santa Claus came to America, while Dutch immigrants were gathering to honor Sinter Klaas.  

Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas gaining our heart is a collaborative process that includes poems, drawings, illustrations, creativity, and also marketing.

In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore wrote a Christmas poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas. The poem was talking about Santa Claus flying from window to window with deers and delivering toys. He wrote the poem for his children but finally, it inspired all of us. Who did not see any movie of Santa Claud flying from window to window?

Then in 1863, political cartoonist Thomas Nast drew Moore’s poem and gave a body and a face to Saint Nicholas. 

In the 1890s Salvation Army found an idea around Santa Claus to ask for donations to provide free food to people in need. Unemployed people wore the Santa Claus suits and with ringing bells went around the city to ask for a donation, which started a big trend of Santa Clauses around.

So here today, we have many rituals around Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas. He has been such a great lover that his name is still living and in such a miraculous way.

9. Santa Claus gift-giving: On the 24th of December night till morning, Santa Claus is bringing what the kids asked for to them. Kids write a letter until this date to Santa and according to how they have behaved, they receive additionally candies or coal.

10. Cookies and milk for Santa: On the 24th of the night, children leave cookies and milk for Santa. It is believed that this ritual is getting its origins from Norse mythology. Also, in countries like Spain, where 3 Kings bring gifts not Santa Claus, kids are leaving things to eat and drink to Kings and camels.

Christmas facts

• Christmas started once the Roman Empire converted to Christianity. In 336 by the declaration of Emperor Constantine, the 25th of December is announced as the birthday of Jesus and Christmas as the celebration of the birthday.
• Christmas has many influences from Pagan origins such as Saturnalia and Yule.
• Christmas does not only had influences on Pagan origins but also the spiritual, economic, and social needs of the society.
• In history there have been places where celebrating Christmas was illegal, such as in Boston.

Why it is important?

Like other rituals, Christmas is also providing a connection point. Between each other, to ourselves, and the One.

It is bringing the magic, the soul, and the unseen to the stage for 1 month.

As we have looked here, it is a collective creation of a ritual. We are continuously evolving and affecting each other, so do our rituals and celebrations as well.

The meaning of the ritual is the important one, not the form. It is up to you; how do you want to do the ritual and the celebration at the end of the day. The importance is the connection. Christmas is providing an opportunity for this if this is what you ask for.

What does it mean to me?

Christmas time is a period for me, starting with the winter solstice and ending on the 6th of January. 

It is a time of purification, self-reflection, forgiveness, and gratitude.

I enjoy that magic is in the town, watching many Christmas movies, talking about spiritual topics with my kids, asking children what they ask for to 3 Kings or Santa Claus. 

For me, it is time for celebration and being hopeful for the birth of those potentials and gifts inside me. 

What about you?

As the Christmas story tells us, we have all the freedom to discover its meaning for us and celebrated it in our way. What does Christmas mean to you?

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I know how it could feel to celebrate Christmas alone as I needed to celebrate many family celebrations from my mother’s land. This year, we will celebrate Christmas alone: me, my husband, and my kids together and still alone.

I was not born to a culture with Christmas and had other religious and family celebrations. Experiencing Christmas for me started after being together with my now-husband, at that time my boyfriend. 

For me, Christmas is a big celebration with so many rituals.

You already know that I love rituals. Christmas is a big celebration with so many rituals. As a person with a great curiosity about the celebrations and rituals all around the world, I enjoy the celebrations of the Spanish Christmas with the big family of my husband. 

This year, we will not be able to see them, as we are living far away from them. It is sad. We are not seeing them for so long now. Me, my husband, and my kids all missed grandparents, but this is what it is. It is life. 

This article intends to bring some perspective, to tell you that we are all united in this as always, even we sometimes feel that we are separated. Finally, I would like to give you some Christmas alone ideas and tips. 

I want to spend Christmas alone – Why do I want to spend Christmas alone?

You can be in the wide spectrum of different ideas around Christmas: those who think about how to survive Christmas alone or those spending Christmas alone by choice.

Christmas alone in 2020 also means that spending Christmas alone because of covid which makes the situation quite special. 

This year we will be many people celebrating it alone or in little circles, away from our loved ones. 

So, to start with, I want to welcome each of our emotions and needs. Maybe you can ask; Is it OK to spend Christmas alone? And I say, yes whatever is the reason for doing that it is ok.

Maybe to protect the loved ones, maybe you never really enjoyed Christmas anyway or your loved ones are far away, and you will not be able to see them. It is ok and also it is ok whatever this situation is making you feel. 

Also talking about Christmas, there is another big spectrum of the meaning of being alone

This Christmas you could be all alone on Christmas eve. No family or friends. Christmas on your own. Could be your first Christmas, maybe first Christmas alone after divorce. 

Maybe you will be with your husband or your wife. Maybe you will be alone as a family with your kids. 

All these cases are considered to have an alone Christmas.

How do you spend Christmas alone?

I already started to dream about ideas to celebrate Christmas time with my gang. Asking my kids and my husband and explaining to my kids that we will not be able to see their cousins and grandparents this year, but still, we will celebrate, still, 3 Kings and Papa Noel will come to visit us. 

We are already starting to invite the celebration vibe to our home. Christmas is not just one day; it is a process. I do not know you, but I need a celebration. Celebrate it in whatever situation you are finding yourself in right now.  

As Kevin in the movie ‘home alone’ says, “This is my life and I will celebrate it”. Ok maybe I changed a bit, he was saying this is my home and I will defend it. But the mood and motivation are the same.

What to do on Christmas alone: Christmas day alone ideas

1. Self-reflect what does it mean to have Christmas alone for you beforehand. How do you feel about it? Show self-compassion. Be there for you. If you feel sad do not try to feel happy. If you feel frustrated do not try to feel ok. Honor your feeling and ask yourself how you can help and prioritize your needs.

2. Get some perspective, do not enter the games of your ego. You can play a game with your ego these days. As you want to celebrate and make it special for yourself this day, and still ego will do its own business, be prepared. The ego will criticize COVID, Christmas, celebrations, people, government whatever. Be cool about it. Slow down. Breathe. Be aware of your thoughts and gently say to your ego “hey man, what is that thing that you need? Let us make this celebration real, in our style. Let us relax”. 

3. Stop complaining start creating. Be gentle to yourself during this time. If you find yourself complaining, gently come to the present moment. Think about it as fasting of thoughts. Remember your goal, creating a special time for you without stress.

4. Plan for you. Make it planning for self-love. Take responsibility and tell yourself that you are preparing for a celebration. A hard year is finishing soon and a bright new one is just in front of the door. Christmas is the day of magic they say. So, let’s celebrate. Ask you this first and let the ideas come:

How would you create a celebration for yourself? 

1. Some nice breakfast, lunch, and dinner? What are the menus? What do you need to shop beforehand?
2. How you will prepare the table for the celebration? Which are your special plates, table cloths, cotton napkins? Will you need anything?
3. Some special things to eat for this time of the year. What are they? Will you need to buy it?
4. What will Santa Claus will bring to you or your small circle? Think about it. Put some care. What is that thing that you wanted to buy, and you did not? Now it is time. 
5. What would be a nice movie to watch? Those that you wanted for a long time. Now is the time. Or a typical Christmas movie.
6. What is that music to dance? You can create a playlist beforehand.
7. What would be a nice book to read? 
8. Maybe you can buy some bath bubbles and create a special spa for yourself. 
9. Candles can shine the place all day. Do you need candles beforehand? 
10. How you will decorate your home? A Christmas tree or a place similar to an altar
11. What are those traditional rituals that you would like to do on your own? 
12. Is there anybody you would like to see on this day? Who is he/she? Do you mind asking if he/she is available to drink something?
13. Would you like to work out/run/yoga? Some movement would be fine.
14. When do you think about celebration, what is that thing coming to your mind? A special drink, a present, special food. Make that symbolic thing prepared for you. 
15. Connect to your family online? Try to concrete the time beforehand.

All these questions and their answers would help you to plan the day. But really, what is Christmas? Why this period is special?

It is a closing of a circle and an opening of a new one; starting with the winter solstice, then Christmas, New Year, and 3 Kings.

Great time of the year to become present and rituals are the best for becoming present.

So here is my list of rituals for this time of the year:

1. Create your sacred space for this special time of the year. Clean your space from negative energies. Maybe creating an art corner even for these days. Decorate as you wish.

2. Connect with nature and with yourself. Go to walk in nature. Wake up to see the sunrise. 

3. Self-Reflect. You can self-reflect on this year. You can use the guidance that I wrote before, here, and here. Some questions to self-reflect alone or with your little family:

• What are those things that you will remember from this year?
• How did you improve yourself this year?
• What are those things that you would celebrate this year?
• Did you feel supported this year? By whom? 
• Would you like to be more supported? By whom and about what?
• What were those moments when you felt bliss this year?
• Were you behaving well to yourself? Do you need to forgive yourself? From a scale of 0 to 100, how much?
• What were the hard moments of this year and those that you overcome and you feel good about yourself?
• To whom would you like to say thanks this year?

4. Show your gratitude. You can write about your gratitude. What you are grateful for, this year? Who are those names on your list? Let them know via email, call, WhatsApp, or even a letter. If you are with your family or a couple, you can do this together. 

5. Look at how you want to plan things for 2021. 2021 is remarkably close. If you are alone at home, dreaming about next year could be a really good idea. 

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6. Practice the rituals similar way as your ancestors (your parents, grandparents): These kinds of special days that have been celebrated by many people through history have important energies. During these days create a connection with the One is easier. You can do those rituals from your childhood. Going to visit a sacred temple for your family, preparing food for Santa Claus, practicing that special prayer of the grandmother, while remembering her, or writing a letter with your wishes to 3 Kings.

7. Pray with all your heart. This year showed us how vulnerable we are. How united we are. After self-reflection, a gratitude circle, and planning your next year, praying can be the best activity for this night. Pray in your way. Tell your deep desires, fears, needs. Take your time. Do not forget that today is magical. Let the universe know about your desires and needs on this magical day.

8. Celebrate: Celebrate life. Celebrate that you are alive and free. Do that symbolic thing for you, drink that champagne, eat that chocolate cake, dinner whatever celebration symbol for you, listen to good music. Dance. Feel the celebration. 

Christmas Alone Tips

• Be careful with social media. Especially if you realize that your ego is in a complaining mood, maybe you can avoid social media, as most probably your ego will begin to compare yourself and try to make your mind that you are miserable. Do not give your ego this chance. Be aware. 
• Remember, everything will be closed that day. Make your shopping list before and buy everything beforehand.
• Be aware of your intention for this day. Make it your day. There is no right or wrong answer. Make your celebration. 
• Be present and see the magic in those little details

Alone on Christmas day song and lyrics

As Christmas is close, and as it means the celebration, let’s finalize the blog post with a song. The lyrics below:

When you find for some sad reason

You’re alone this Christmas season

And the joys of home grow dimmer

Just like a memory’s distant glimmer

When your love and you are parted

And all Christmas cheer departed

It’s sad I say, when you’re away,

From love on Christmas Day

Why the sadness (gotta move on)

When there should be gladness (keep moving on)

All you can do is keep moving on

Time is mending (you gotta move on)

Pain soon has its ending (keep moving on)

Know in your heart it soon will be gone

Whether cruising the lonely highway

Or jetting miles high through some skyway

When you’ve reached your destination

Awaiting baggage at the station

When you see some happy greeters

It can make your bitter sweeter

But still, for real, it’s sad to feel

Alone on Christmas Day

Why the sadness (gotta move on)

When there should be gladness (keep moving on)

All you can do is keep moving on

Time is mending (you’ve got to move on)

Pain soon has its ending (keep moving on)

Know in your heart it soon will be gone

What about you? 

What are your plans for this Christmas? Let me know in the comments.

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