If I had a euro for every time I heard someone – anyone, from the check-out clerk at SuperSol to the folks on the radio to my portera – say “Estamos en crisis”, my family would be getting much nicer Christmas gifts this year.

The Economist recently published a thorough, 14-page examination of the Spanish financial system: its marked strength over the past decade or so and its current place in relation to the overall global economic crisis. It was ominously titled “Spain: The Party’s Over”, but judging by the throngs of people lining Madrid’s shopping districts in recent weeks, I wouldn’t put away the confetti just yet.

According to statistics, Spaniards spent more on Christmas food items and gifts in 2006 and 2007 than their neighbouring (often wealthier) countries.

Hoping for similar results this year, shop owners have gone on a pre-emptive strike against the economic slump, offering discounts long before the usual year-end rebajas.

Eventually though, the novelty wears off; everyone you know has already got an Atlético strip from you, and your loved ones just receive presents they want or need rather than specifically Spanish recuerdos. (However, I’ve noticed that my family doesn’t seem to ever tire of my annual haul of affordable wine and aged manchego...)

La crisis has certainly caused several mileuristas to tighten their belts, but as far as I can tell, Spaniards and expats here, as usual, are ready to make the most of it and have a great time this festive season.

And in the spirit of a multicultural Christmas, a little poem to get you in the mood:
(Think of it as a few moments of free entertainment. After all, estamos en crisis.)

The Spanglish Night Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the casa,
Not a creature was stirring -- Caramba! ¿Qué pasa?
Los niños were tucked away in their camas,
Some in camisas and some in pijamas,

While hanging the stockings with mucho cuidado
In hopes that old Santa would feel obligado
To bring all children, both buenos and malos,
A nice batch of dulces and other regalos.

Outside in the yard there arose such a grito
That I jumped to my feet like a frightened cabrito.
I ran to the window and looked out afuera,
And who in the world do you think quién era?

Saint Nick in a sleigh and a big red sombrero
Came dashing along like a crazy bombero.
And pulling his sleigh instead of venados
Were eight little burros approaching volados.

I watched as they came and this quaint little hombre
Was shouting and whistling and calling by nombre
“Ay Pancho, ay Pepe, ay Chucho, ay Beto,
Ay Chato, ay Chopo, Macuco, y Nieto!”

Then standing erect with his hands on his pecho
He flew to the top of our very own techo.
With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea,
He struggled to squeeze down our old chiminea,

Then huffing and puffing at last in our sala,
With soot smeared all over his red suit de gala,
He filled all the stockings with lovely regalos--
For none of the niños had been very malos.

Then chuckling aloud, seeming very contento,
He turned like a flash and was gone like the viento.
And I heard him exclaim, and this is verdad,
Merry Christmas to all, and Feliz Navidad!

- Author unknown

text: Kristen Bernardi / Expatica
photo credit: anaulin, JP Puerta and Mariano Fotos

Expatica Blogger Kristen Bernardi is an American journalist living in Madrid. She has contributed to various travel publications including Fodor's, TimeOut, The Insider's Guide, Spain Magazine and InMadrid, and most recently assisted in 2008 Spanish presidential election coverage for CNN International. Kristen is off to the US for Christmas, but wishes all Expatica readers a very happy holiday season, whether you’re spending it where you came from, where you’ve landed or anywhere in between.