Andorra is preparing for Christmas, much like the United States is right now. There are Christmas markets in the streets, lights and decorations are being hung all around the city and people are buying each other gifts. The temperature is getting colder, and it's snowing more and more just in time for ski season in the mountains. It is truly a festive time in the country, and people seem to be happier when it's Christmastime. I know I sure am! What's your favorite part of the winter season?
Although there are many similarities between how people typically celebrate Christmas in the United States and Andorra, I learned from my Andorran friend that one big difference here is the tradition of El Tío. El Tío is an oak log that parents cover with a blanket and put in the kitchen near the fireplace. Next, they put gifts and candy under the blanket. Children come into the kitchen to hit the log with sticks and sing songs. After they are done singing, parents lift the blanket to reveal the presents. This tradition is carried out in each Andorran home, and there are also two public Tíos in Andorra, one in the capital parish Andorra la Vella and one in the south in Sant Julià de Lorià.
