I usually go to England at Christmas but this year I'll be here, so I might (if I remember) do some random tweets over the holidays about key differences (in my experience) between a British and a Catalan Christmas. #ongoingthread
For example, (you probably know this one), rather than Father Christmas appearing later on, the Catalan tradition tonight is to beat the infamous 'Crapping log' until it poos presents out :) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ti%C3%B3_… #christmasthread
It's pretty good! But, on the other hand, we'll be missing out on a panto as Catalans don't do pantomimes! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantomime / Random youtube example:
Here's another fun fact. In UK, the Queen's speech is on today after lunch while most people are already sleeping on the sofa. The King of Spain gives a televised speech on Christmas Eve but most Catalans ignore it for obvious reasons - as well as being busy enjoying themselves.
From past experience, people in our extended family tend to get more dressed up for the Christmas meal in Catalonia. So I'll probably be the only one in a Christmas t-shirt today :) 
Most Catalans traditionally receive their pressies from the 'pooing log' (see earlier tweet) or 3 Wise Men on the 5/6 January, but some also get stuff from Father Christmas nowadays.
Never heard the classic British old people's moan in Catalonia: "When I was younger, all the kids would be out on their new bikes at Christmas."
Christmas dinner is big in the UK, but in my experience it's bigger here in Catalonia - and goes on for longer with more courses and delicacies. I'll take notes on what's on today's menu (we're not cooking today!).
#serioustweet And this Christmas of course, many Catalans will be thinking of the political prisoners still in jail (awaiting trial) a year later on trumped-up charges. In fact many people will be gathering outside the jails today in solidarity. #christmasthread
So, today's Christmas lunch here in Catalonia. Giant prawns, fresh salmon, pates, then canalones, duck in sauce, desserts, lashings of wine and cava. 20 of us around the table.
The infamous Christmas log pooing presents at every beating. #christmastraditions
26 Dec, while many English people go for (a) walks, (b) a football match, or (c) shopping (sales!), and have cold turkey with chips, Catalonia prepares for another Very Big Family Meal - often with members from a different side of the family.
But we're doing a mashup of traditions - today we're making an English-style Christmas dinner for close family here in Catalonia. Peeling the Brussel sprouts as I tweet 😀
Should mention that today is a bank holiday in both the UK and Catalonia. #greatmindsthinkalike
