Christmas Countdown!

15/11/2016

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So it's that time of year again. Christmas is coming and we heading towards the end of another year.

Most people who know me, understand, just how much I love the festive season. Ever since I was a child, I have loved all things Christmas; the lights, tinsel and the giving of presents. Of course this year, things are going to be very different, for both Darrell and myself.

I haven't had a traditional Christmas for many, many years, but have always celebrated in the way I used too; that has never changed; large tree, lots of decorations, food and an open invitation to everyone.

For the last five years or so, myself and Darrell, have always invited friends over, who were either alone, or have been important throughout our life over the previous year. The last people we had over for Christmas dinner, was my Deputy Manager and her son, whilst working for Oxfam. It was a wonderful day, the last normal Christmas I had, before leaving for Spain!

So this year, Christmas is going to be very different, to those I have had in the past. Darrell will be spending the day with his family in Australia, for the first time in 21 years. A family Christmas is very important for him now, especially with his Mother being ill. I used to enjoy spending time with family, at this time of year, and did so for many years, but for the last ten years or so, myself and Darrell have spent it together, or with close friends. The last time I was with my parents, did not end well. Many families have arguments at Christmas, it has to be said, but for me, someone who does have Bipolar, suffering from extreme highs and lows, it is important to keep myself at a level I am comfortable with. In a confrontational situation, I will always walk away, as I did on this occasion. After this dreadful day, I vowed to never have a family Christmas again. For me the pain was just far too great, to go through it again. My Brother has a family and that is important to my parents. I am different to my him, lead a very extraordinary, contrasting life, poles apart from my family, so for the sake of peace, I have to follow my own way.

This year, I will be celebrating Christmas on my own. That will be a first for me; not something I am used too. I have been invited to Katie's and also Paul's for Christmas Day, but as is usual for me, I do not like to impose, so will not. Jamie is working all over Christmas, so I will probably spend a few hours in the bar with him and just relax for the rest of the time.

This doesn't mean I am shutting out Christmas this year, far from it; I will still be celebrating, just not surrounded by hoards of people. I have started to decorate my Casa; something Darrell used to hate. At least with him in Australia, I can fill the house with decorations if I want too, without the 'bah humbug'. There is also a lot going on in Gran Alacant; far more than I would have expected. Zest is collecting for the local orphanage, asking residents, to donate items, as presents for the children who live there. All the other bars and clubs are also collecting for similar good causes. All the restaurants are serving Christmas dinner, the lights are going up and it really is starting to feel a lot like Christmas.

Christmas in spain!

Of course, Christmas in Spain is a little bit different to that celebrated in the UK. Most people traditionally go to Midnight Mass, 'La Misa Del Galloon', or The Mass of The Rooster on the 24th December. The Christmas Dinner, that we would eat on Christmas Day, is eaten again on the 24th, before attending church. After the service, people spend time walking through the streets, singing and playing musical instruments, with flaming torches; rather like the Spanish fiestas I am now used too.

On December 28th there is a day called 'Día de los santos inocentes' The Day of Innocent Saints. It is very similar to Britain's April Fools Day. People play jokes on each other and tell silly stories.

'Nochevieja' or The Old Day; New Year's Eve, is celebrated on 31 December, in much the same way as it is anywhere else in the World. One tradition that is unique to Spain is that you eat twelve grapes, for each stroke of midnight, ushering in the New Year. This represents each month of the new coming year; grapes eaten, you are then said to be lucky!

Finally on 6 January, Epiphany is celebrated. In Spain it is called the 'Fiesta de Los tres Reyes Mages' or the Festival of The Three Magic Kings. This is the day Spanish children open their presents. Celebrating the occasion, the three Kings brought presents for Baby Jesus in Bethlehem. They write letters to 'The King' on Boxing day, leaving shoes out under the Christmas tree or on window sills to be filled with presents. In the same way we leave presents out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, it is tradition to also do the same for the King on January 5th.

Celebrations do vary slightly, across all regions of Spain, with various festivals taking place, but this is the way most Spanish people will enjoy their Christmas this year. As for me, well living in an expat community, I will probably celebrate, much in the same way as I did in the UK. The major difference will be New Year's Eve, where I hope to follow the tradition of the twelve grapes, sat in the square in Santa Pola, or at home in Sierra Mar.

My countdown to Christmas has begun; a little later than usual for me, a smaller tree, less decorations and less people, but in keeping with tradition, I will still celebrate. There are certain times of year, that can be more difficult than others, spent on ones own. Chistmas is a time, that I have many happy memories from. Undoubtedly I will have many more memories from this and many future years, but for me, Christmas Day has changed forever. Never again will I experience Christmas as I used to. There will be different people to spend time with, altered experiences, unique traditions and new memories to cherish. Change is a good thing; something to be embraced. Fear of the unknown can stop many people experiencing new a wonderful times. For me that will not happen. After moving to Spain, the hardest decision of my life, anything is now possible, including Christmas, spent in my new chosen home!