It’s Christmas Eve and we focus inwards. Here on a Spanish but truly global island we have a big yummy mixing bowl of cultures and traditions. For most, tonight’s meal will be the main event of the season.
Our bubble is small but family will gather for a feast, this year taken at home. We’ll enjoy Jamón Ibérico, a thinly sliced leg of lamb. Perhaps seafood fresh from our waters or hallaca, for those of us with Latin tradition. Google it for an introduction to an awesome taste.
Whilst in the UK the children prepare for Santa to visit overnight, here the main gifts will come later on January 6th. They are delivered by the Three Wise Men, the Reyes Magos. To be fair, few of us have chimneys! But Santa hats will be worn regardless.
Bringing Light
Every town has lights up and some will drive the island this evening to see the displays. There are rumours of neon Christmas cows in Tahiche and an incredible light show in the streets of Arrecife, a visionary carnival for the kids.
The biggest gift of all will arrive by flight tonight. Our first vaccines will land on Christmas Eve at Tenerife North. Roll out to the most vulnerable of Lanzarote is expected on the 27th. We’re tracking that plane as if tugged by Rudolph!
The photo is of my little tree. Carved by a neighbour and given as a gift. It stands near a big box of potatoes and veg, handed across another fence. This is what Christmas Eve is about here. The warmth of the light not just in the sky but in our reach.
Merry Christmas
I hope you all have kindness in your bubbles this Christmas. And that you find your own peace in whatever star or antler or jolly bearded chap you’re watching for tonight. They will come. And it will be like magic.
Mucho cariño para ti y tu familia esta Navidad.
Que en esta Navidad el mejor regalo que recibas sea estar junto a tus seres queridos compartiendo paz, esperanza y alegría.
Alex and the DL crew.
