Whack A Log, See If It Poops A Treat!

[dobleremolque]

2. Ah Catalonia and its Christmas traditions!

One of the more charming holiday traditions from that section of Spain is the caganer, a figurine of a shepherd usually hidden somewhere in nativity scenes. He's crouched in the act of defecation and it's great fun to encourage the children to try to find him. Sort of a scatalogical "Where's Waldo."

There are shops in Barcelona that specialize in nothing but caganer figurines, many of which depict famous people having assumed the position. Our Catalàn in-law presented us with two little statuettes several Christmases ago: one of Queen Elizabeth; the other of President Obama. A charming tradition, but from our viewpoint best kept wrapped in tissue paper and stuffed waaaaaaay back in the hall closet.