As every year, the previous Saturday to Christmas Olentzero came to our association. In this occasion it coincided with the Saint Thomas Festival in Bilbao, so we had to be quick since he had to meet some people to organize the gift delivery on Christmas Eve.
It all started with a magnificent sunny day after almost sixty rainy days. We met on the Saturday December 20th at 5 pm. While all the kids and family waiting in the association, Olentzero showed up with his pipe and his sack full of sweets and hope along with Joana playing the “txistu” (traditional basque pipe). We all were very happy when he arrived and after introducing him and chit-chatting for a moment, he began delivering the presents using Nerea Bugallo and Lander Rodríguez as helpers.
The children were delighted with the surprises that the bags contained, it was very sweet to watch them their faces, with their eyes wide open as a reflection of the excitement that we adults, seem to have forgotten. After taking some pictures with Olentzero, Estibaliz delivered the digitalized picture albums to those that had been going to the various family breaks activities. In that album, there were the programs, the reports and the pictures of each family break weekend.
Then, an in name of the association, we gave Marta her present: a weekend Spa pack along with her husband. She deserves it for her commitment and dedication to the association.
This time we collected many Christmas hampers to draw among the families, all of them filled with foods or drinks brought by the associates. There were three special PKU-AD hampers, one of them prepared by Marisa and containing sweets, tins, spanish sausage,blood sausage, chocolates, “turron”, etc. As always, it was very welcomed. The second Christmas hamper was loaded with special products donated by the association. The third one had a combination of vegetables, fruits and special food donated by the Pando Pérez family.
Other two Christmas hampers full with fresh vegetables and eggs laid by their very chickens from “Amama” (grandmother in basque) Juanita and Blanca, who every year send us great examples of the amazing products they harvest.
Also, and as accustomed, the traditional Kiwi hamper, from Irati´s family. Apart from the ones mentioned, there were another three Christmas hampers with a selection of traditional Christmas food and spirits.
Once we had already delivered the gifts and drew the hampers, we payd full attention to the delicious food each family brought, normal and special. As always, the PKU-AD section was fully packed with delicious and very imaginative food, making it look like a cuisine contest instead of a regular afternoon snack. We want to felicitate all the families for their amazing intake.
We do not want to forget the Lorpem sock company, who as every year, they send us socks for our kids. Being such a cold season, it is magnificent present. These socks are very warm and comfy!
We also want to thank the help of: Artea Mall, BBK, Lagun Aro, Euskotren, Eroski, Ismisons Natura (soaps and natural gels), La Caixa (Antiguo Golf) Caja Laboral (Gernika).
We want to thank once again our dear Olentzero for always coming in spite of his complicated agenda.
We also want to remind to all those associates who could not make that we expect them next year.
Thank you very much
