I thought that this year Christmas was going to be disappointing. I wasn’t going home, and I wasn’t traveling someplace new; I thought I was going to be stuck in Logroño all alone, wallowing. BUT as it turned out, this year is probably one of the best Christmas’ I have ever had! I had invited all of the Americans who were in Logroño without plans to come over to my apartment so we could all celebrate all Christmas day together. People started trickling in in the morning, with everyone showing up with tons of food, booze, and gifts. We made a huge American brunch including French toast, scrambled eggs, and bacon along with a lot of mimosas! In order to keep our glasses straight, we each picked a reindeer name for ourselves to write on the cup. very funny!
We settled in for the day watching Christmas movies like the Grinch and Elf, exchanging Secret Santa gifts, or amigo invisible as the say in Spain (invisible friend, wtf?). I lucked out and got a fondue kit! So excited to test it out soon. We went out for a couple walks when we got sleepy, and I was pleasantly surprised by the number of people out and about on Christmas day. Some places were even open so we were able to nab a couple coffees too! We cooked an incredible dinner for everyone too, all the while skyping with our families back home and watching movies. Throughout the day people kept popping in and out of my apartment, and usually there were about 10 people here at any given time. All in all it was a wonderful, fun, friend-filled day that I am definitely going to remember. I couldn’t have been happier!
How did you spend Christmas this year? Have you ever had to spend abroad? What did you do to stay in the Christmas spirit?
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I know I’m commenting on a post from waaaayyyy back, but I wanted to see how you found Christmas in Spain and read about your time Logroño since I’m here and living in the same apartment! It looks like you had a blast, and I even recognize one of the people in your pictures, Brianne. She is teaching in Logroño again this year!
Your Christmas day activities look awesome! You’ve really created that warm, welcoming atmosphere that the holidays are all about 🙂 I couldn’t help but notice the window decorations–very festive!
Last year I spent Christmas in Madrid with my (American) flatmate and her parents. We went to see the Russian ballet perform the Nutcracker. I missed the familiar Christmas traditions at home but was glad to soak up all of the newness of Spanish Christmas–the feel of the event, the holiday foods, the misa de gallo, etc. Glad your day worked out for the best!
That sounds so fun! I often think things will turn out worse than they do. (I’m such an optimist.) Your Christmas looks, as Lauren said, “lovely.”
I spent this Christmas with my family (mom, dad, brother, and brother’s fiancee). It was wonderful. I do think that, someday, I will have to spend Christmas abroad (Spain). I am actually looking forward to that day. I’ve heard there’s lots – and lots – of food.
Aw, sounds lovely! Sometimes spending a holiday abroad is really nice. I’ve had some great Thanksgivings in Spain and Christmas last year was also really cool. It’s nice that you hosted everyone who was in the same boat– I’ll bet they were happy to have somewhere to celebrate!