Christmas bonus for Spanish children

Life in Spain came to a standstill today as families exchanged gifts and small children received toys on the popular Three Kings Day.

The national holiday is important in traditional celebrations and creates a frenzy in families, children, and stores all over Spain.

It marks the arrival of three wise men who according to the Bible offered Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh after following a bright star.

For Spaniards, the story exemplifies devotion and generosity.

Just as with Santa Claus on December 25, the children write letters to the Magic Kings asking for gifts. Before going to bed, they place their shoes on balconies in hopes that the Three Kings will leave them toys. Naughty children are given sweet coal as a joke.

The holiday, where business comes to a halt with big family reunions, deserted streets, shuttered stores, is more popular than Christmas in many parts of Latin America, the Caribbean and Spain.