Christmas in Spanish Speaking Countries.

The three wise men are the focal point of Christmas in Spanish speaking countries. They visit children in orphanages and hospitals. Santa does not bring gifts, but the three wise men. Christmas is more religious and the day is mostly spent at Church. On the eve of the Epiphany or January 5th, kids leave their shoes outside and the wise men leave presents in them. On Epiphany there are many parades with sweets.

Here are some images of Christmas in hispanic countries:

The 3 wise men.

The Nativity scene.

Christmas decorations in Spain.

Food for the holidays.

This is the Three Kings bread and it is very popular for Spanish speaking countries during the Christmas time. This is a double braided bread ring that includes raisins, nuts, citron, and is usually scented with lemon,mace, and saffron. It is then finished with a glaze and decorated with colorful ribbons. 

Here's the link if you are interested in making this:

http://www.painlesscooking.com/christmas-bread-recipe.html 

Here are some links for Spanish Christmas music to get you in the Spirit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihW56Xa3XGQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GMOpkGsWvw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwrk74ZUsi4

Here are some links to hispanic countries that celebrate Christmas:

http://www.the-north-pole.com/around/spain.html

http://www.the-north-pole.com/around/venezuela.html

http://www.the-north-pole.com/around/southamer.html

http://www.the-north-pole.com/around/nicaragua.html

http://www.the-north-pole.com/around/mexico.html

After reading this what are some traditions that are different from ours? What are some that are similar? Also write a short paragraph about what Christmas means to you.

We hope you all have a great Christmas! :)