Random Fact About Christmas in Spain #12 - Tio De Nadal

The Tio de Nadal, or "Christmas log," is a traditional decoration in the homes of the Catalan region of Spain.  (By the way, we do not live in the Catalan Region - this region is up in the northeast of Spain)  A crudely-painted face adorns one side of the log, and sticks are wedged in the bottom to represent arms and legs. Beginning December 8th, the children of the house "feed" it a little bit of food every day - nuts, dried fruits, etc - and cover it with a blanket at night.  And then, on Christmas, the real terror begins. The kids take the Tio and put it into the unlit fireplace. They then hit it with sticks and make it poop out treats - candies, nuts, etc. It's sort of like a stocking here, only everything comes out of a butt.