What is different about American Christmas traditions and those in Spain?

1. Santa Claus visits on Christmas Eve: Children hang up stockings by the fireplace and anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus, who enters through the chimney to leave gifts.

2. Christmas Trees: Homes are decorated with adorned Christmas trees, often showcasing the traditional red, green, and gold colors.

3. Christmas Carols: Singing Christmas carols is a popular activity during the holiday season, with families and groups carolling in neighborhoods.

4. Eggnog, cookies, and hot chocolate: These beverages and treats play an important role in American Christmas celebrations.

5. Christmas Dinner: Typically held on Christmas Day, it commonly includes dishes such as turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

6. Wrapping Gifts: Gifts are wrapped in patterned wrapping paper and adorned with ribbons and bows, creating an element of surprise.

7. Greeting Cards: Sending Christmas greeting cards to friends and family is a widespread tradition.

8. Mistletoe: Mistletoe is hung at doorways, and couples standing beneath it are supposed to kiss.

9. Advent Calendar: Many homes feature Advent calendars, which lead up to Christmas with small gifts and activities each day.

Spanish Christmas Traditions:

1. Nativity Scenes (Belenes): These intricate displays of the Nativity story, often involving miniature figurines, are an essential part of Spanish Christmas.

2. Three Wise Men: Instead of Santa Claus, children receive presents from the Three Wise Men, who arrive on the Epiphany (January 6).

3. El Gordo: The annual El Gordo lottery, known for its massive jackpot, attracts nationwide attention.

4. Caganer: Catalan Nativity scenes often include a humorous figure known as the "caganer," depicted in the act of defecation.

5. Traditional Sweets: Spanish Christmas is marked by special treats like turron (nougat), polvorones (almond cookies), and mazapan (almond marzipan).

6. Christmas Eve Dinner (Nochebuena): Family gatherings and feasting are central, with dishes like roast suckling pig or seafood.

7. Midnight Mass: Many attend Midnight Mass (Misa de Gallo) to celebrate Christmas Eve.

8. Cabalgatas: Colorful processions, known as Cabalgatas de Reyes, take place on the evening of January 5, featuring the Three Wise Men and their arrival in Bethlehem.

9. Rosca de Reyes: Families share the Rosca de Reyes, a ring-shaped bread decorated with candied fruits, on the Epiphany. Whoever finds a small figure hidden inside the bread is said to be crowned "King of the Day."

10. Belen viviente: Some towns organize real-life portrayals (Belen viviente) of the Nativity scene, including actors portraying various characters and animals.

While both cultures celebrate Christmas, Spanish traditions lean more towards religious customs and family-centered gatherings, while American traditions embrace Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and a festive atmosphere.