It seems that the Christmas holidays get longer and longer each year, and that pretty soon we will need re-training when we eventually arrive back at work.

The evening of 24th December is an important celebration here in Spain, and is always accompanied by a huge family meal. Throughout Spain (not only in Galicia), the tradition is to eat an enormous amount of seafood as a starter, when we obviously hope that this will be washed down with an odd glass of albariño or two – the perfect accompaniment.

The second part of the ‘festivos’ is New Year’s Eve, where, like everyone else, the Spanish greet the start of the New Year. Unlike other countries, however, the celebration usually kicks off with yet another big family meal, and yet more seafood.

As if that wasn’t enough the Spanish holiday period is extended into January by Reyes – the day of Epiphany when the Three Wise Men arrive at the Nativity bearing gifts. Of course, this give rise to yet another big family meal, and in some households is the time when Christmas gifts are actually exchanged.

All in all, it is a very drawn out holiday period, and to be honest it is almost a relief to be back at work!