Pala, are you more a Christmas fan or Grinch?
Palacios: “I’d say I’m a fan. I really look forward to Christmas, especially because I get the time over Christmas and new year to go see my family in Argentina. It’s the time for us to come together. I have the chance to see people I’ve not been able to see all year. Both my mum and dad have huge families. Lots of relatives live in different cities, so not everyone can be there. But if things work out, we’ll have a full house.”
What do you like about Christmas in Germany?
Palacios: “Christmas is a big celebration in Germany. There’s always a lot of excitement, even more than in Argentina in my view. You can see and feel that everywhere, even just in the many Christmas markets. I recently went round the Christmas market at the cathedral in Cologne with my mum and we ate waffles together. That was really nice and delicious.”
What’s a typical Christmas like in the Palacios family?
Palacios: “I obviously think it’s good that it’s very hot and the sun shines at this time of year back home [laughs]. We’re always in the pool when we’ve got time. We also dance and celebrate a lot together, even when there are no typical Christmas songs.”
What’s on the table?
Palacios: “At the end of the day, we just want to enjoy the time together. Obviously also with good food. My grandma always cooks for all of us, especially really delicious empanadas. Those are filled pastries. We also like to have a traditional asado barbecue.”
What’s your best memory of Christmas?
Palacios: “I remember I used to always write a letter with my brother to Santa every year and we’d ask for a football. That memory always comes back to me when I head back home. Luckily our wish came true [laughs].”
Have you got all your presents ready this year?
Palacios: “I’m well prepared this year, yes. Admittedly, I needed some help wrapping. That’s really not my strength. I’d give myself a maximum of four out of 10 there. But we only give each other little things because our greatest present is being together.”
What’s your wish for the new year?
Palacios: “I’ve got a few wishes for 2024 but don’t want to reveal them, otherwise they won’t come true [laughs].”
You can also read an interview with Lukas Hradecky on Christmas in Finland, the home of Santa Claus, tomorrow.
