I have taken as a reference to make a comparison between what it is like to celebrate Christmas in Córdoba (Spain) and what my father has told me about how Christmas is celebrated in Scotland, specifically in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling.

Here in Córdoba and, in general, throughout Spain, we have a way of celebrating Christmas that takes us practically from the middle of the month of December until January 6, with the Three Wise Men festival. There are many Christmas lights, small attractions and the occasional street show, which these days can be seen on any street in any city in Spain and, of course, Córdoba. But it is also true thatyear after year there is more interest in commercial matters than in the Christmas spirit.

As important days, we celebrate December 24 and 25, December 31, New Year's Eve, January 1, New Year, and the magical Three Kings' Night on January 5, where gifts abound among families and those closest to them.

Also because of our climate, which, although it is cold, is not the typical Christmas postcard landscape that we are used to seeing in northern European countries.

In Scotland, Christmas is very different. From the most cosmopolitan Christmas of Glasgow, to the most endearing and wintery of Stirling and Edinburgh.

There is something that stands out in Scotland over other ways of celebrating Christmas. They are their markets.

The Scottish Christmas markets are not exempt from interesting and original activities, such as the Santas race and the “Santa Paws” dog show that will take place on December 9 in Edinburgh, where you can also enjoy attractions such as the panoramic Ferris wheel, the exciting Starflyer with its flying chairs, the ice skating rink, the craft and traditional food and drink stalls and the aforementioned special lighting of the castle. You can also take a magnificent special Christmas walking tour through the streets of Edinburgh.

Another piece of information to contribute in this blog is Boxing Day in Scotland. It is a celebration that takes place the day after Christmas (December 26). Traditionally, it was the day when bosses distributed money, food, clothing and valuables to their employees. In current times, it is a day to spend with the family, sporting events are usually held and it is also the day on which sales begin after Christmas.

Boxing Day means "the day of the boxes" and the origin of this name has various explanations. It is said that bosses gave their employees money and/or food in small boxes as a Christmas gift. Another version says that the servants were allowed to take the leftover cake from the Christmas Day celebration and they took it home precisely in a box.

It is a way to celebrate Christmas more in the street, playing in the snow and enjoying the lighting that, sometimes, extends from one end of each city to the other.

There is no Three Kings Day there. The “gifts” are given on December 24 and with the end of the year celebration, this wonderful holiday that is CHRISTMAS comes to an end.