What the Catalans do in Christmas? We eat, buy presents, receive presents, meet family and friends and a lot of other things. We also read, but since we won't do "a selling author list" here, we rather thell you what Catalans do. Here we go.
As a Catholic culture, religious traditions are still followed by most of the Catalans. Some have given the traditions a more modern style and avoid or forget the religious meaning of it, but still follow the traditions.
We celebrate de Tió (or Tió de Nadal), which is mainly a Christmas log, that kids hit enegetically to get presents. Previously, the log has been fed for days so he is fat and defecates generously
On the 13th of December, families start making a big manger with many different figures, houses, rivers and mountains.
On the 25th and 26th families get reunit and enjoy long, amazing and incredibly big meals. It's more like Thanksgiving. On the 25th, kids place Jesus baby in the middle of the manger.
On the 31st at 12 o'clock during the clock bells we eat 12 grapes, one at each bell's ring.
On the 5th of January kids go quickly in bed so the 3 kings don't find them awake. It's alike to Santa Claus, but the three kings come from far away in the desert riding a camel and in suntuous carriages. That night the kid can't forget to leave at the front door or balcony a shoe of his (so the kings know his age), water (for the thirsty camels) and mandarins, sweets and drinks (for the tired Kings).
The next 2 days 6th and 6th are still holidays so kids can play with the new toys.