Spain
Dec 29, 2011
Mandy
5 Comments

Christmas in Spain

Christmas has come and gone another year. It felt a bit sad and too short and bittersweet without family to celebrate with. Two of the three boxes of gifts my parents sent me are being held up in customs, and won’t be released to us until we give our residency numbers. The problem? We’re officially in the country illegally for another two weeks until our paperwork is processed.

Bah humbug.

And it’s not really the gifts that I’m mad about, it’s just the fact that my parents spent so much money shipping that stuff to us only to have it held up.

But despite the bummer when it came to our gifts, we really did have a nice Christmas. We had to wait until 4pm our time until we started our video chat with my parents and my sister and BIL. We still got to spend time with everyone and participate in the festivities, even if it was through a screen.

I probably should have taken a screenshot, but Mike took a photo of us in the screen instead.

What we looked like from their side!

The day after Christmas, my parents hooked us up at Grandma’s house so we could see and chat with the extended family. It was so wonderful and it felt like we were almost there.

Almost.

I miss my family and wish like crazy that we could have spent time with them this holiday season. Last year we were unable to make Christmas in the Midwest because our honeymoon had eaten all of my vacation days.

There is no way that we’re missing Christmas next year. I don’t care where we are on this planet–we’re going to make it home for Christmas.

We have a lot to look forward to in the new year though, so we’re trying to keep our chins up and look forward to everything exciting we have going on here.

Our blue christmas tree!

Have you ever spent a Christmas away from family? How did you connect with them over the holidays despite the distance?

  • Creen14

    Aww this post made me teary ;(

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  • Anonymous

    Honestly, we spent our Christmas alone this year on purpose. We just wanted to sit in our PJ, relax, and spend time with each other, not worrying about if mum is going to have a nervous breakdown about the turkey or any of that stuff. My parents aren’t in town, P’s parents went to visit his step-dad’s kids this Xmas, and we told his aunt & uncle in town that we wanted peace, quiet, and alone-ness. It was lovely. :)

    I’ve actually only been back to my parents’ for Christmas once since moving 6 years ago.

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  • http://twitter.com/MintedLife Kelsey L

    I think it is so sweet that you were able to celebrate with your family from so far away!  And, I keep meaning to tell you, but you look so good!  I think Spain is great for you. :)

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  • http://twitter.com/loverenovations Amanda

    I am so glad you were able to Skype with your family for Christmas – it’s so nice that you were still able to spend time with them, despite the distance! A few years ago Corey and I spent Christmas in New Mexico with a small portion of his family and we enjoyed it but we agreed that it was SO weird to be so far away from everyone for such a major holiday!

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  • Anonymous

    I’m so sorry you couldn’t be with your family but I’m glad you were able to connect via video chat!

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