Christmas in Peru and Spain
Memories from Celebrations in Two Cultures

Hello everyone. I’m Leonardo from the Efficiency Improvement Team at Hirose Paper Mfg. Co., Ltd.
I was born and raised in Peru, South America, and spent part of my teenage years living in Spain. Since becoming an adult, I’ve celebrated Christmas in various countries such as China, Russia, and Egypt. And since last year, I’ve been enjoying Christmas here in Kochi, Japan.
Today, I’d like to share with you some of my Christmas experiences around the world, focusing especially on my memories in Peru and Spain. Each country has its own unique culture and customs, and I was fortunate to have many fascinating experiences. I hope to share with you some of the fun and memorable Christmas moments that have stayed with me.

A Wonderful Dinner Time

When it comes to Christmas in Peru, what stands out the most is the special dinner with the whole family gathered together. My paternal relatives would join us, making it a big celebration with around 15 to 18 people. It was always a lively and joyful Christmas.
The dining table would be filled with special dishes. The main course was a whole roasted turkey, juicy and full of flavor. I can still picture the succulent juices flowing from beneath the crisp, golden-brown skin. Another must-have dish was potato pie, lovingly made by my aunts.
The adults enjoyed chatting over glasses of white wine, while the children sipped soda and spent an exciting time together. Sweets like chocolate were also served, filling the room with sweet aromas and laughter.
Sharing a meal with the whole family like this was truly a special moment unique to Christmas. Surrounded by warm food and even warmer familial love, it was a truly wonderful dinner time.

Lots of Presents

The thing I looked forward to the most during Christmas in Peru was the presents. I would receive more than seven gifts from my parents and uncles. 「Children would open their gifts with great excitement from the night of the 24th into the 25th.
In Peru, it’s common for children to decide what they want as presents. I used to request things like bicycles or roller skates—typical gifts for an energetic boy like me. The joy of receiving such big presents is something I’ll never forget.
Then came the big fireworks show at lunchtime on Christmas Day. Unlike the handheld sparklers often seen in Japan, large box-type fireworks would be lit on the ground, launching dozens of rockets into the sky. The fireworks were so powerful that you had to run away immediately after lighting them. It was dangerous but undeniably fun—one of my cherished memories.

When Santa Claus Fell Over

One of my funniest Christmas memories involves my father dressed up as Santa Claus. When I was eight years old, he appeared in a Santa suit and, just as he started walking while laughing “Ho, ho, ho,” he tripped and fell spectacularly. His white beard flew off, and no one could tell he was supposed to be Santa! But instead of worrying about who Santa really was, we all just burst out laughing. Even now, when our family gets together, we still laugh and say, “Remember that Santa?”—a truly fun and memorable story that lives on.

Christmas in Spain

Christmas in Spain holds special memories for me that are quite different from those in Peru. One big difference was that fireworks were prohibited (haha). Instead, there were traditional Spanish ways of celebrating.
Since most Spaniards are Christians, attending Mass at church is a significant event. Going to church with my family and spending time in solemn prayer was a sacred experience.
In Madrid’s central square, a majestic Christmas tree over 30 meters tall is set up, surrounded by a special Christmas market. It’s kind of like the summer festival stalls in Japan. There was even a merry-go-round that made the children very happy.
Plays reenacting the stories of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and Jesus Christ were performed in the square. Watching these plays with my family remains one of my most vivid memories.
Especially unforgettable is the atmosphere right at midnight on December 25th. Strangers would greet each other with “Merry Christmas!” and exchange hugs. It was a heartwarming tradition unique to Spain. The smiling faces of the people and the city filled with joy made for an irreplaceable experience.

Christmas in Spain and My Family

Christmas with my family in Spain remains a warm and dear memory for me. On Christmas Day, we would gather for a special dinner. The table was filled with turkey, chicken, savory sausages, and other meat dishes, all enjoyed with white wine.
At 10 PM, the children would excitedly open their presents. After they went to bed, the adults would relax and enjoy wine together—it was a peaceful and beautiful time.
However, not every Christmas in Spain was filled with family fun. When I was studying at a university in Salamanca, I lived apart from my parents, who were in Madrid and Valencia. As the Christmas holidays approached, my friends would return home, leaving me alone in the dormitory. Those times were quite lonely.
The joy of being with family and the loneliness of being apart—both have become irreplaceable experiences etched in my heart.

Merry Christmas!

In both Peru and Spain, Christmas is one of the most important events of the year. In both countries, it’s common for families and relatives to gather and celebrate joyfully late into the night. Going to church together and sharing a luxurious meal are truly the essence of Christmas.
For me, the memories of Christmas from my childhood are treasures. The lively family parties in Peru, the beautiful illuminations of Madrid, and the Christmas carols echoing through the city—each is a heartwarming memory that I vividly recall even now.
Christmas in Japan has its own unique culture, different from Western customs, and it’s very intriguing. I was surprised by the tradition of eating KFC chicken, but I’m looking forward to experiencing that distinctive culture this year.
As the weather grows colder and the city becomes adorned with festive lights, Christmas becomes a special day that warms hearts, no matter where in the world you are. I hope each of you has a wonderful Christmas.
¡Feliz Navidad! (Merry Christmas!)