Ho-ho-ho!

​Of course Christmas shouldn't be about gifts, but it often is. We just can't help ourselves but immediately think of the presents. And in Spain, it’s no different.

​For parents, it can be a stressful thing. We have to decide how much money to spend on presents and what to spend it on. Another remote-controlled car that we'll trip over? Or a board game the whole family can play together? A book or the latest gadget? The choice is overwhelming, no matter the budget.

​Kids, on the other hand, will be unaware of our dilemmas. As far as they are concerned, it's Santa Claus (or Father Christmas), and his elves who take care of the presents. All they need to do is send Him a letter.

​In Spain, things are slightly different. Not only is it not Santa who brings the gifts (it's the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to baby Jesus when He was born), you actually get to see them arrive. You may even get to sit in their lap or have a friendly chat with them, tell them you've been good and thank them for the presents to come.

​The arrival of the Three Kings comes in the form of a parade the night before, on January 5th. Every city, town and village will organise their own, and apart from Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar, there will be singers, dancers, musicians, all throwing sweets into the crowd. 

In many cases, the Three Kings will sit down on a mock throne and invite children to approach them for a quick chat and a symbolic present.

​The only ‘problem’ with receiving gifts from The Three Kings is the date. It takes place on January 6th, which means that Spanish kids have to wait nearly two weeks before they can open their Christmas presents and then have only a day or two to play with them before going back to school. As a result, many Spanish families now have Papa Noel bring a present or two on Christmas Day, while the rest are safely kept until January. 

​Who knows, if it weren’t for the parade, Papa Noel might gain more followers. As it is, The Three Kings still get more likes.

If you are looking for ideas for Christmas presents, why not visit our online gift shop here. Shipping to Europe is included in the price! For other destinations, contact us for a quote.

​Ho-ho-ho!