"At least I have my health"

At noon today, in the midst of great excitement, the winning number was drawn for the top prize in El Gordo, the internationally famous Spanish Christmas lottery: 32365.

My number was 29186. I did not win 300,000 tax-free euros (about US$400,000) for my 20-euro ticket, even though I wore my lucky witch earrings — witches are lucky in Spain.

I also did not win any of the other 13,332 prizes, but then, for lotteries to work, most participants must lose.

Traditionally, losers say, "At least I have my health," which is why December 22 in Spain is known as "Health Day."

My health is good. I hope yours is, too, or that you get well soon.

Now, with that excitement over, Christmas celebrations begin in earnest in Spain. ¡Felices fiestas! We'll be partying here until January 6.