Christmas in Espana

Christmas in Espana

Feliz Navidad! I thought I would share what Christmas looks like in Spain.  They love to decorate with lights and Belenes, which are nativities.  In Spain and Portugal the Belenes are incredible.  Some of them are huge and are set up with all of the buildings, and people of Bethlaham, and usually tell the whole Christmas story.  We have been able to see so many wonderful examples.  Also, Christmas day in Spain used to be a quiet family celebration that did not involve presents.  Then on January 6th, Three Kings Day, children put out their shoes for the kings to put gifts in, and that was the big celebration.  Most of the people we work with in the temple were raised with that tradition.  However, in recent years, the USA influence has spread to Spain, and now most families celebrate both days with gifts. 

Christmas markets are very popular all over Spain.  There are several in Madrid.

It was cold, and sprinkling a bit, so Dave used a plastic bag on his head.

Hot Chocolate is a favorite.

Puerta Del Sol is the largest plaza in Madrid, and all roads in Madrid spread out from Del Sol.   Each road leaving the plaza was decorated with great lights, and each street was different.

Many of the buildings are lit up as well.

Puerta Del Sol has a huge 118 foot Christmas tree in the center.

A building at Puerta Del Sol.

This picture doesn't show them well, but these are chandeliers all the way down the street.

These colorful boxes appear to float in mid air.

This is Plaza Mayor.

American influence.

Even Minnie and Micky are hanging out in Madrid.

This amazing Belen is set up in the center of Plaza Mayor, and is surrounded by glass.
I wish my pictures could do it justice.

All kinds of interesting characters and details.

The angel appears to Mary.

Christmas market in Plaza Mayor.

Another Plaza and Christmas Market.

More streets in Madrid.

Lights in Valladolid.

Plaza Mayor in Valladolid.

Surrounding streets of Plaza Mayor Valladolid.

Sleigh and reindeer.

Life size Belen in Valladolid.

A week ago some of us went to the Hard Rock for dinner and a trip on the Navi Bus.  This is when they turn the double decker tour buses into a tour of the Christmas lights of Madrid.
 It is a lot of fun.

Waiting for the bus, Greg, Gloria, Charlotte and Dave.

Many of the Belenes in churches do not the baby Jesus in the scene until Christmas.

A Nativity on Temple Square.

Our Belen on Temple Square.

It has so much detail in it, that I wish you could see.

There is a waterfall off to the left.  The cave is covered in bark and moss.  Inside are all kinds of tools and such making it look very real.  The angel is sitting on top of the cave.

It makes me happy to see that the Spanish people know what Christmas is about and are not ashamed to display it.  Even government buildings have their Belenes, and will display Feliz Navidad.  Its kind of sad how America is forgetting the reason for the season, and so many are trying to make it a secular holiday.  We are so grateful for the birth of the Savior, and for this special time of year when we reflect on that awesome blessing.  We will be spending Christmas Eve with our mission family, but we will be thinking of those that we love at home,  We hope you have an amazing Christmas. God bless us, everyone.