In Spain, Christmas is traditionally seen as a time for families to gather around the table and celebrate the most important winter holidays together. For Raquel Bollo, this year was supposed to be another occasion for a big family dinner, but things turned out differently. A virus that struck several family members at once completely changed the usual course of events, leaving the well-known TV presenter without her children’s company during the most anticipated days of December.
On the evening of December 24, when nearly thirty relatives usually gather in the Bollo household, the house was unusually quiet this year. The expectation was that everyone would be at the table: children, grandchildren, and the older generation. But as the celebration began, it became clear that plans were falling apart. Raquel’s daughter, Alma, felt unwell right before dinner and had to leave to rest, missing out on family conversations and traditional toasts. Her children, Jimena and Miguel, also missed out on their grandmother’s usual attention.
Family challenges
Raquel herself was also not spared by the illness: the virus she caught quickly spread among her loved ones. The presenter’s mother spent all of Christmas Day in bed, and Raquel wasn’t even able to share festive moments on social media as she usually did. The illness didn’t spare her eldest son, Manuel Cortés, either—he was also on sick leave and couldn’t make it to the family on December 25.
The situation became even more complicated when it turned out that the family’s grandfather had also contracted the virus. As a result, the holidays were spent focusing on health rather than the usual festivities and noise. Despite this, Raquel tried to keep a positive attitude and was grateful for the chance to spend time with at least part of the family.
A Holiday Without the Usual Fanfare
This year, only those who managed to avoid illness gathered at the holiday table. Instead of the traditional crowded party, Raquel celebrated Christmas in a small circle that included members of both her own family and that of her fiancé, Mariano Jorge Gutiérrez. The wedding is ahead for the couple, but even this joyful occasion could not make up for the absence of children and grandchildren during the holidays.
The TV presenter admitted that this Christmas break was a real test for her. She called what was happening “utter chaos” and noted that for the first time in many years she could not feel that sense of unity for which Spaniards value family traditions so deeply. Nevertheless, Raquel remains optimistic and hopes that next year everyone will be together.
The Virus and Its Consequences
The virus that struck the Bollo family not only disrupted family gatherings but also changed their daily routine. Raquel noted that for the first time in a long while, she had to step away from her usual social media posts to focus on caring for her loved ones. The illness affected several generations at once, making the situation especially challenging.
Despite all the difficulties, the TV presenter expressed her gratitude to those who supported her during these days. She emphasized that even in forced isolation, it’s important to stay connected with family and hold on to hope for better times. The holiday didn’t go as planned, but it became a reminder of the value of health and family ties.
In case you didn’t know, Raquel Bollo is one of the most well-known figures on Spanish television, having gained fame through her appearances on popular reality shows and her work as a TV host. Her children, Manuel Cortés and Alma Bollo, are also frequently featured in the media and are well-liked by fans. In the coming months, Raquel is preparing to marry Mariano Jorge Gutiérrez, which has already become one of the most talked-about topics in Spanish celebrity news.
