On December 8th, the day the catholic church celebrated the immaculate conception, the Christmas season began in Barcelona. We purchased the requisite "Caga Tio" and have decided to celebrate Christmas Catalonia-style. The caga tio, or pooping log, is a log with a painted face which kids are supposed to take care of until Christmas in order to receive presents. Kids are expected to feed the log and cover him with a blanket at night. Then on Christmas kids beat the log with a stick and demand it to poop out small presents. Larger presents are reserved for January 6th, el día de los reyes.

Unfortunately, we have also begun the Christmas season with illness. The kids even missed their school Christmas program. Since they had worked so hard to prepare for it, it was quite a disappointment. After almost a week of being cooped up in our small apartment, yesterday we decided it was time to get out. We ventured to the movie theatre, a 5-minute walk, to see La Travesia del Viajero del Alba, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Fortunately the theatre was practically empty because by the time we got home, fevers had returned. Just when we think the kids have gotten over their sickness, their fevers return. Tomorrow will be another one home from school. We're headed to the doctor instead.