Christmas is for many the most endearing time of the year. In Spain, this celebration is marked by traditions that are passed from generation to generation: family dinners, Christmas carols, gifts under the tree and tables full of typical delicacies. Among the households that celebrate these dates with special affection is that of the Spanish Royal Family, which also takes advantage of Christmas Eve to watch the pre-recorded message from His Majesty the King and enjoy the privacy of home.
The Zarzuela Palace, which witnesses official events and hearings throughout the year, is transformed the night of December 24 in a place where family warmth reigns. This year, as in previous years, Christmas Eve is a special date for Kings Felipe and Letizia, since they can enjoy your daughters after their respective studies in Wales and Marín (Pontevedra). The family reunion adds a touch of emotion to this significant evening. As we saw this Sunday, the Monarch and his wife have already returned to the Princess Eleanor and the Infanta Sofía, who joined them on the surprise visit to DANA ground zero.
In addition, the festival includes the company of Paloma Rocasolano, mother of Queen Letizia, who is a constant presence at these Christmas gatherings with or without her boyfriend, Marcus Brandler. Sometimes the Queen’s sister, Telma Ortiz, y Irish lawyer and writer Robert Gavin They also join, reinforcing that atmosphere of family unity. For her part, although Queen Sofía usually spends these dates with her sister Irene, there is no lack of a prior visit from the Kings and their daughters to congratulate her before dinner. On this occasion, it seems that the infantas Elena and Cristina will be having dinner with their mother and children in another pavilion of the Zarzuela complex and there will be greetings even if they do not have dinner together.
Preparations full of care
In Zarzuela, Christmas Eve preparations begin days before. Although the service staff collaborates in the previous details, the dinner is experienced in an intimate way: from 7:00 p.m., the employees retire to enjoy the festivity with their own families, and it is the Royal Family who assumes the responsibility. prominence at the table. The menu, although sophisticated, does not lose sight of the roots of Spanish gastronomy. Starters include classics such as smoked salmon, Iberian ham, foie and eels, while the main course is usually a traditional stuffed turkey, accompanied by chestnut puree and roasted vegetables. The desserts, for their part, cannot be missed: nougats, marzipan and pollorones are combined with the special touch of a coffee ice cream, Paloma Rocasolano’s favorite, as a nod to the grandmother who is always present in these family moments.
The carefully prepared menu is a reflection of the Spanish Christmas essence with a sophisticated touch:
Starters. Dinner begins with a selection of classic and delicious starters. Smoked salmon, an essential on Christmas tables. Iberian acorn-fed ham, symbol of Spanish gastronomy. Foie, a delicacy that provides a touch of exclusivity. Elvers, considered a delicatessen at this time. Seafood pudding, a nod to coastal tradition and the flavors of the sea.
Main course. The star of the night is a carefully prepared stuffed turkey, accompanied by chestnut puree, which provides softness and an autumn flavor. Roasted vegetables with aromatic herbs, which balance the dish with a fresh and healthy touch.
desserts As tradition dictates, the end of the dinner is full of typical sweets. Nougat, in its classic and chocolate versions. Polvorones and marzipan, essential in any Christmas celebration. Coffee ice cream (Paloma Rocasolano’s favorite) that closes the evening with a fresh and different touch.
This dinner, although simple in essence, reflects the care and attention that the Royal Family puts into preserving Spanish traditions, while enjoying an intimate evening, far from the usual protocols. Without a doubt, a sign that the magic of Christmas is in the small details and, above all, in the company.
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