The Tió de Nadal is the Catalan Christmas log traditionally beaten to release gifts.
Also called Caga Tió, the Tió de Nadal is a hollow log decorated with a painted face, a red cap, and sometimes legs. Families usually bring it into the home during Advent and cover it with a blanket. Children feed it fruit, nuts, or other food before Christmas.
On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, children beat the covered log with sticks while singing a traditional song. When the blanket is lifted, sweets, small presents, and dried fruit are revealed. The custom is especially associated with Catalonia and parts of Aragon.
The log tradition is distinct from the caganer, a small figurine often hidden in Catalan nativity scenes. Both customs belong to Catalan Christmas culture, but only the Tió de Nadal is the gift-producing log.