December-January

I had a magical time in Valencia at Christmas. On December 4th, the city came alive when all the Christmas lights were switched on at once. It was a breathtaking sight and the streets were filled with people enjoying the festive atmosphere. I’ve always loved Christmas, and this year was no exception. I visited lots of Christmas markets, started making my own holiday decorations at Casal Jove and embraced the festive spirit.

This was my first Christmas in Spain, away from my family, which made it a special and also a little bit sad. Additionally, I also took part in the famous Spanish Christmas lottery: El Gordo. I didn’t win, but it was exciting to follow the draw and learn about local traditions. What struck me most was how warm it was during the Christmas season here. I’m used to the cold in Vienna and the rain, but the mild weather was a nice change. On 24 December, I shared a Christmas dinner with three other volunteers. It was a cozy evening, with good food and conversation. On the following day we met at Sarah’s house for board games and a delicious meal. It was a wonderful way to spend the holiday, surrounded by friends and good vibes. During this time, I also helped out with the Esplai infantil nadal, which kept me busy. Assisting with activities for the little ones brought so much joy and it was rewarding to see their smiles during the festive season. New Year’s Eve introduced me to a new tradition: eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck in the coming year. It was a fun and slightly chaotic experience that I won’t forget! Afterward, we went out to celebrate.

With my organization, I also visited the largest nativity scene in Valencia. It was absolutely fascinating to see how detailed and dynamic it was, with so many moving parts bringing the scene to life.

In Spain, the Christmas season doesn’t end until January 6th with the celebration of Los Yeyes Magos (the Three Kings). It’s a significant holiday here and I was lucky enough to be part of the festivities. As monitors, we organized various workshops for children, who created crafts and participated in activities tied to the occasion. The Reyes Magos arrived by boat, a spectacular sight that captured the magic of the day. In the afternoon, there were two grand parades—one in Sagunto and another in Puerto. The vibrant floats, costumes, and excited crowds made it a truly unforgettable experience.

This December was a month of many firsts. It was my first Christmas away from home, my first time celebrating the Los Reyes Magos and my first warm holiday season. While it was different from what I’m used to, it was filled with new traditions, meaningful moments, and the joy of discovering a different way of celebrating this special time of year.