Girl With Her Cat and a Mug at Christmas

About this drawing

A girl with a cat at Christmas, a warm mug and a blanket over her knees is how many people picture the perfect holiday break. In Spain, that break is long, because the celebrations stretch across several weeks rather than a single day.

It kicks off on December 22 with the Christmas lottery draw, which many families watch on TV. Then comes Nochebuena, Christmas Eve, with the biggest family dinner of the year, followed by Christmas Day and another meal at home.

December 28 is the Day of the Holy Innocents, Spain's version of April Fools' Day, packed with pranks. On New Year's Eve, people eat twelve grapes, one for each chime of the clock at midnight.

The season wraps up with the Three Kings. On the evening of January 5, parades fill many towns, and on January 6 children open their presents and families share a ring-shaped cake called roscón. In between come quiet afternoons like this one, perfect for curling up at home. Each date has its own food, songs and customs, so the season feels like a long series of small celebrations rather than one big day. No wonder many people end it ready for a quiet rest.

• christmas
• cat
• cozy
• traditions
• relaxing