SPAIN: Barcelona's Christmas Traditions

We were in Barcelona for 6 weeks and it coincided with Christmas and New Year’s, giving us the opportunity to experience the Christmas traditions that are unique to the region of Catalan.

Barcelona's main Christmas Market is the Fira de Santa Llúcia in the square in front of Barcelona’s Cathedral.

It goes back almost 250 years when the Christmas Market was first documented in 1786. 

It is one of Spain’s oldest Christmas markets and one of the oldest continuously held markets in Europe.

But it is different than the other European Christmas Markets.

LONDON: Festive December Lights

One of the reasons we came to London in December was to enjoy the long, hot, sun-filled days that are cooled by gentle warm breezes coming off the water. 

Ummmm..... NOT!

It had more to do with a need to reintegrate into society. After spending so much time with just the two of us, we suspected that our social skills might have become a bit rusty. We figured that it would be good for us to get together with friends to practise social etiquette again. 

It also had to do with the fact that London puts on a great show in December.

CANADA: Christmas Lights in Victoria's Butchart Gardens

Victoria is considered Canada's garden city. 

The mild weather is conducive for blooms and beautiful landscaping all year. 

Butchart Gardens, just outside Victoria, is a gardeners dream year round.

At Christmas the Gardens take on a whole different atmosphere lit up with lights and the festive Christmas spirit.