We've started Christmas early in our house (doesn't everyone these days) because we will be setting off to Spain on the 27th for a couple of tranquil weeks.
As much as I love the lead up to Christmas, I can't wait to spend time in our little village of Jacarilla. In rural villages most Spaniards start their Christmas by attending Midnight Mass 'La Misa Del Gallo' (The Mass of the rooster) so called because a rooster is supposed to have crowed the night that Jesus was born.
Before Mass families will gather for a traditional dinner which is normally a lavish and joyful affair where the sumptuous meal and the high spirits carry on until Midnight when the ringing of Church bells call the families to Mass.
After Mass they will walk through the village streets, carrying torches, playing guitars and beating tambourines and drums whilst singing carols and hymns.
Families will stop at the village bars and cafés for a drink and there is a saying: 'Esta noche es noche-buena, y no es noche de dormir' which means 'Tonight is the good night and it is not meant for sleeping.'
There is a distinct lack of commercialism as Spaniards are more oriented towards joy and celebration with family and friends - a welcome change from the daily grind. This holiday is rather a calm celebration which includes walks, socialising, dropping into bars and generally relaxing and enjoying life.
On Christmas day families gather in the local park or plaza where the children play with their toys from Papa Noel and adults share a drink or two before eating another large family meal during the afternoon.
Although we won't be there for Christmas itself we will be able to enjoy new year and Epiphany which is celebrated on 6th January. Dia de los Reyes Magos is the most important day for children as they wake to find the Three Kings have left gifts for them (Santa will have only left a small gift on December 24th.) On the eve of Epiphany, children place their shoes, filled with straw, on the doorstep, and in the secret of the night, the Three Wise Men pass leaving gifts.
Epiphany is heralded by another social gathering in the village which includes parades where sweets and cakes are distributed to the children by adults dressed as the Kings.
Far from the mayhem of Christmas in the UK which sees us shopping late into Christmas eve and back in the shops on Boxing day fighting over TV sets, Christmas in rural Spain still has a religious connotation and has a magical feel.
Now, back to Christmas here, I've already accumulated a pile of Christmas recipe booklets from various newspaper supplements telling me how to cook the juiciest turkey etc etc...... so I shan't be bombarding you with the same old same old as I'm sure Nigella, The Hairy Bikers et al have given you enough recipes and tips already! Today I'm literally sharing a tip which has nothing to do with Christmas fayre but I feel is certainly worth mentioning. As you know, I have a fear of watery sauces, I hate sloppy, slushy bolognese or chilli con carne (I was recently subjected to a bowl of grey, watery gruel masquerading as chilli at a friends house.) By simply adding a handful of lentils you can transform any watery sauce into something thick and unctuous.
Love Donna xxxxxxxxxx
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