Christmas

The most wonderful time of the year is here in Spain. My host family and I traveled to Salamanca to reunite with relatives for the entire Christmas vacation. The holiday is entirely different here. It's Christmas Day yet I did not wake up to an ornament-filled Christmas tree with presents nor participate in the usual traditions I have back home. The 6 of January is when the real Christmas celebration happens. It is known as King's Day. All of the family members put out their shoes, and it is believed that the three Kings ride into the city during the night and fill them with gifts. There are various parades held throughout the day, and candy is thrown in celebration. I am really looking forward to experiencing this. I never realized all of the cultural differences that exist in other countries.

My homesickness has reached its peak as I reminisce on the previous Christmases I spent in the United States. However, I have survived the last few months on my own and I am hopeful that I will continue to do so in the new year.