Christmas Day on the Camino.

There are plenty of pilgrims out there walking. We have a Polish pilgrim here with us tonight, we had our big feast at lunchtime, and he chowed down mightily at dinner on leftovers! Got calls from six other pilgrims who will arrive tomorrow.
Walking days are very long around Christmas, because just about every albergue in the area is closed, or only opening for groups of three or more. Pilgrims who stay here have come from Carrion de los Condes or even farther -- 30 km or more -- because nothing between here and there is open!

I am currently on the Camino as we speak. I got into Porto yesterday afternoon. Because of the size of this city, the amount of people driving in, and the "starting to celebrate early", it was a little scary at times. Remember, you are on the main hwy coming into the city. I arrived at 5:00 PM, After resting, I went to midnight Mass, and continued walking this morning.
Last year, I was on the Camino Frances. There were 20 of us in O'Cebreiro. We went to Mass, and then had a potluck in the albergue, since everything closed at 5:00. We had 20 cm of snow on Christmas Eve, we had to get out of there early because more snow was coming. The trails were closed, so we walked to Sarria on the road. Long day, hard day, but absolutly beautiful.

If you are planning to be on the Camino France, just make sure you know the distance of the next Albergue so you can plan accordingly.

It is really a great time of reflection, rather than the party atmosphere from the summer months, along with the heat, and lots of people. I really love the Camino on the winter.

Buen Camino,

Texasguy