Spain:

In Spain “Navidad” which is the Spanish word for Christmas, is a season that lasts nearly a month, beginning December 8th with the feast of the Immaculate Conception (the Virgin Mary is the patron saint of Spain) and ending January 6th with Epiphany (Three Kings Day). The season emphasizes religious rather than the secular traditions celebrated so much elsewhere and much time is spent in church. Most people have mangers in their homes.

Celebratory events include bonfires, special dances and a Christmas dinner of seafood. On Epiphany Eve, children fill their shoes with grass, straw or grain for the camels of the Wise Men and place them on the doorstep. On the morning of Epiphany, the children find the gifts left by the Wise Men. The Wise Men play a role similar to Santa Claus -- they visit hospitals, appear in parades and children write them letters requesting special gifts.