In keeping with German tradition, we gather at home on 5^th December with neighbouring families and children to eagerly await the arrival of St Nicholas. He visits the house and delivers a small gift and messages of encouragement and praise as well as areas for improvement for each child to take on board. That night the children leave an empty boot or stocking out in anticipation of the following morning.  The children awake on 6^th December excited and delighted to find the boot or stocking filled with treats and goodies.

Fast forward now to 24^th December and we celebrate our traditional Christmas at home with as many of our family as possible coming together. As the children get older, it gets harder and harder to smuggle in the presents from Father Christmas but we still have 2 ‘believers’, which is just magical.

On 25^th December, I have plenty of English friends who open their doors and invite us to their place for a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

The 26^th December is a ‘festivo’/ public holiday here, which is another excuse to connect with friends and have a festive get together.

Even though the adults are completely whacked out by this point, the kids are still raring to go and we make an annual outing to the Diver Espai at the recintefiral in Ibiza. A whole host of activities, bouncy castles, activities and face painting are laid on for the children. A good tip though is to get there early before the crowds arrive.

As you would expect, Ibiza comes alive on New Years Eve and the possibilities are endless. We often join forces with friends and family to see in the new year at home with some fireworks. This ensures we are fit and fresh on 1^st January to take part in the annual New Years Dive hosted by Vino & Co.

Now is the time to exhale and chill, but not for long because the arrival of the Reyes is just around the corner…..

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

X Christina