Okay, we are now about 3 hours away from leaving for the airport, so this is going to be quick. Just one last Catalan tradition that I thought everyone should know about and think about this Christmas season--Tronc de Nadal, Tió de Nadal, or Caga Tió.
The object in question is a log taken from the hearth and given a face. It is unfortunately a little late this year, but traditional Catalans begin "feeding" the log on December 8 (The Day of the Immaculate Conception), so that by Christmas the food is nice and digested.
Instead of Santa Claus visiting good little Catalan boys and girls, the family gathers around the Tió and chants a little song as they hit it with a stick (here's an example in flash). The idea is to make it give you presents (here is a video). This something is usually a small gift or turron. (Try this game). "Real gifts" like Nintendo Wii don't come until Kings, a week after new Years Day, in remembrance of the three wise men.)
Bon Nadal!
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