A Spanish Christmas 西班牙圣诞节

In Spain different set of gift-giving traditions exists. The holiday season extends to Jan. 6, known as Three Kings Day or the Epiphany.1 It is not until Three Kings Day that Spanish children receive their gifts. On the eve of the Epiphany, children set out a pair of shoes to be filled with treats2 by the Three Kings. Usually, three plates of food and three glasses of wine are left out for the visitors, and the waiting shoes are often stuffed with straw for the camels the Magi ride.3

　　Although gifts are not given until Three Kings Day, the Spanish still celebrate on Christmas Day. One of the most important Christmas traditions is the construction of the Nativity scene, which depicts the stable Christ was born in, complete with parents, angels and animals.4 These scenes are often elaborate and require a good deal of materials and craftsmanship.5 The need for building materials gave rise to6 another Spanish tradition: the Christmas market. These outdoor markets consist of a series of booths7 set up on streets and in squares. The booths sell everything from ornaments and small gifts to figures and building materials for the Nativity scenes.

　　The Spanish have a number of unique dishes that are traditionally served on Christmas. While some serve turkey, the worldwide favorite, many prefer a distinctly Spanish menu. This meal would consist of almond8 soup followed by seafood. For desert, a candy called marzipan9 is served. Marzipan is made from almonds, eggs and sugars.

　　Notes:

　　1. extend: 延续；Three Kings Day: 三圣节，又称Epiphany（主显节），基督教纪念耶稣向世人显现的节日，通常在每年1月6日。

　　2. treat: 好东西。

　　3. 通常，三盘食物和三杯酒是为招待三位访客特意留下的，准备（装礼物）的鞋子中一般都会填满稻草以供东方三博士所骑的骆驼食用。Magi: 东方三博士，为《圣经》中人物，指向初生的耶稣朝拜献礼的东方三圣，下文中提到的the Three Wisemen与此同义。

　　4. Nativity scene: 也作Nativity play，圣诞剧，关于耶稣诞生的戏剧，通常由儿童在圣诞节期间演出；depict: 描述；stable: 马厩，根据《圣经》记载，耶稣诞生在马厩中。

　　5. elaborate: 精心计划或制作的；craftsmanship: 技能，技术。

　　6. give rise to: 引起，导致。

　　7. booth: 货摊，摊位。

　　8. almond: 杏仁。