Christmas is coming and with it, joy, lights and color. They are dates of tradition, reunions, solidarity and customs. Some perfect elements that envelop these special days with magic and among which the Christmas decoration stands out.
Changing the image of the house, moving furniture and making space to place new items is a joyous activity that is lived in many houses, for days, at the beginning of the month of December to announce the arrival of Christmas. Nativity scenes, Christmas trees, Santa Claus or the Three Wise Men are the true protagonists of these dates without forgetting the lighting.
And although in Spain, lighting in a 'big' way - as is the tradition in America, Colombia or the Philippines - is yet to come, it is true that little by little it is being established in our culture. During these days, in Xàbia, streets, balconies and facades are filled with decorations. From small details to magnificent works of light and color that take days and days of work and imagination.
The House of Marcos and Celeste
First of all we talked about Marcos and Celeste's house. 50.000 bulbs illuminate your home and garden. Marcos, together with his son Alejandro, have made a great work of art during the last two months. Since the beginning of October, imagination and labor have been the leisure of this family. Some 60 days and more than 100 hours have been the time that father and son have dedicated to welcoming Christmas as it is done in Celeste's country of origin; Philippines.
Following a trip to this country about five years ago led this family to change the assembly of a 30-square-meter nativity scene that they made to Christmas lights. Every year, Marcos goes one step further. What he started with a small decoration in memory of his wife's country has been growing Christmas after Christmas, going from 12.000 bulbs in 2021 (you can see it in this article) at 50.000 this 2022.
Undoubtedly, a great attraction that has not gone unnoticed. And it is that, the lighting of this house, located in the area of Les Planes, attracts dozens of visitors, "and not only people from Xàbia, but people from different populations as well as English and Germans", says this family, who is happy with the visits they receive daily and who at the same time make Celeste felt "like going back to my country".
Diana's House
In second place we have Diana's house, which is located between the historic center and the Frechinal neighborhood. On this occasion, the lighting of the façade draws the attention of pedestrians and drivers. Diana, a native of Colombia, wanted to transfer the tradition of her country to her building. The lighting reigns in her balcony and in that of the neighbour, thus providing more decoration and Christmas atmosphere to the street.
For Diana, decorating her house makes her relive her origins, her customs, "it's like going back to my childhood, where I remember seeing my mother moving furniture to fill the house with Christmas decorations and that's how I do it now. Putting up the tree, the nativity scene and lights fills me with joy and makes me feel like I am closer to my country and my people".
For two years, this resident of Xàbia has illuminated a large part of her building. "Every year I put different lights on the outside and fill the interior of the house with the traditional nativity scene, the tree and other decorations," says Diana. But the atmosphere goes further, and the decoration is even carried out in the area of the stairs and landing, thus feeling Christmas in every corner".
Neighbors of Xàbia integrate with this tradition
But the Christmas spirit goes deeper into Xàbia. The residents of Tossal de Baix street have wanted to continue their tradition of decorating on holidays. On this occasion, the residents of this street in the historic center have changed their Fogueres decorations for Christmas decorations, filling this area with atmosphere, joy and colour. A show of solidarity and combining customs.
And year after year, more and more residents of Xàbia join this international culture of lighting up and filling the streets, squares and houses with life during the Christmas holidays.
And that inside a natural park? Light pollution and stuff? What does the park management think of that?
They say that if you find out a little more, LED lighting and those colors do not generate even 10% light pollution compared to street lamps, and if you add that they only turn it on at certain times and only for a few hours, well influence very little.
You're welcome 👍🏽
Iberdrola likes this news.