Finalizing our Catalonia trip Dec 16th-30

Since you mentioned enjoying small, unusual museums, I want to point out a couple of interesting collections inside MNAC. MNAC (on Montjuic) is quite large. Much of it is a traditional art museum, but it has a modernism collection with jewelry, furniture and decorative art. It also has very impressive, large medieval frescoes rescued from old churches in the Pyrenees.

If you are concerned about crowds, I'm not sure you'll be comfortable in Casa Batllo--though perhaps the number of tickets sold for each entry time is much reduced due to COVID. During my 2016 visit Casa Batllo and the Picasso Museum were the most crowded indoor venues I experienced. Casa Mila/La Pedrera was marginally less packed than Casa Batllo, but I wouldn't visit it under similar conditions right now, either. (But I'm 70 years old.) Both of the casas have potential pinch points as you go through them; they are not like visiting a museum with one large room leading into another large room.

You might consider instead the Sant Pau modernista site, which was not the slightest bit crowded on either of my visits (most recently in 2019). I was able to walk right up to the ticket counter, buy a ticket and enter. It's wonderful to have an option like that in Barcelona, which has a large number of sights that must be planned ahead of time because of the length of their ticket lines. Sant Pau is a multi-building complex on attractive grounds. It's located beyond La Sagrada Familia. It would be nicest on a non-rainy day.

There is no reason, in my view, to make a point of walking the Ramblas. Maybe 20 or 30 years ago. Now it's a crowded street favored by pickpockets. You'll see bits of it during your other sightseeing. I'd consider walking around Gracia instead. Gracia's the neighborhood south of Parc Guell.

A food-shopping suggestion: Although I tend to think of paprika as a Hungarian spice, it's a big deal in Spain, too. I've really enjoyed a tin of smoked paprika I brought home. I use it to make smoky pimento cheese spread, but it has many other uses. It can be purchased inexpensively at any supermarket, I assume. Of course, you can also buy smoked paprika (not necessarily Spanish) at Trader Joe's these days. But I think of Spain every time I pull that paprika out of my cabinet.

Looks like a very in-depth and well researched itinerary! Some answers to your queries plus things you should note:

I love being out in nature and lots of natural sites

I don't see much of nature activates on your itinerary, mainly big city/urban sites. If you're feeling adventurous, the snow in Spain has been pretty good this year, you could consider a few days skiing in our pristine Catalan Pyrenees mountains, there are several ski resorts just north of Girona (Masella and La Molina come to mind). An experience not many foreigners even know about or get to enjoy.

This day is our anniversary. Would love help with a local restaurant in Girona that we could make evening reservations.

Well, arguably the best restaurant in Spain is actually located in Girona, called El Celler de Can Roca, a true culinary pilgrimage for any foodie! Headed by the famed Roca bros. If you are looking for a more traditional establishment, I can recommend Casa Marieta, on the Plaça de la Independencia in Girona. It's a venerable establishment with more than 100 years of history serving the traditional Catalan cuisine.

Tickets booked for Sagrada Familia. Afterwards go to the Christmas market nearby for some churros and hot chocolate, and hopefully some fresh roasted chestnuts.

Don't forget to also visit Santa Llúcia Christmas market, right in front of the main cathedral, it's the oldest one in the city from the 1700s. The biggest draws are its nativity scenes and the Tió de Nadal figures (which is a rather interesting Catalan tradition we have).

For good hot chocolate in Barcelona, while you can't go wrong with Chocolatería Valor, Churrería Laietana is the best, but you can try both!

Some shopping at La Boqueria as well. Pick up goodies for the holidays to have back at our AirBnb.

Most restaurants and even shops are closed on Christmas Eve (24) in Spain. Christmas Eve is a very familiar time for us, spent in one's house with the family. Even in big cities, it is almost impossible to find Spanish restaurants open on Christmas Eve. Definitely reserve a table in advance for Christmas day (25) can be quite busy that day.

I’m looking for a bit of help finding something low key for the evening. I love Tapas and simple tasty food. I don’t want something super duper fancy for this evening. Given that parameter, where would you go?

If tapas is what you are after, my favourite tapas bar is Bar Celta Pulperia, in El Born. It's a Galician style seafood tapas bar that specializes in Galician Octopus (Pulpo a la Gallega). Another specialty is their Pimientos de Padron, which are apparently one of Rick Steves' favorite tapas (mine too!). They are sauteed green peppers that are usually mild, but every so often you get a spicy pepper. Bar Celta is a little more old school than the newer tapas bars, but it is still pretty popular with locals.

You could consider checking out some of the more trendy Tapas bars in the nearby Poble Sec neighborhood, like Quimet & Quimet.

If a more considerable meal you are after, I can recommend Barceloneta, a more upscale establishment with a great view of the harbor front, local seafood themed menu with some of the best Paella and Fideua in Barcelona.

A more out of the box recommendation for your Birthday, I would be head over to the charming Vila de Gràcia neighborhood. It feels very cozy and welcoming, with many young families out and about. Gràcia used be its own distinct town, before being incorporated into Barcelona in the late 19th century, so it still retains its own small town feel and charm. For food in the area, there are many great Italian restaurants and Pizza shops here, due immigration here by young Italian families. You will find an eclectic assortment of restaurants here, due to the bohemian culture of the area.

Hope this all helps! :)

Thank you both Acraven and Carlos. These give me lots of ideas and little tweaks to make. This is really looking like it will be an Epic trip! ;o)

In addition to the research, the mention of the closed restaurants gave me the most wonderful idea. I'm definitely moving my shopping up a bit since there is risk that things are already closed on the 24th. I have been looking for an excuse to make an epic charcuterie platter that we can munch on Christmas day and the day after. I now have the perfect excuse to shop for Spanish hams, cheeses, olives, etc. This possibility has me endlessly excited (yes, I love charcuterie that much).

Thank you again for these wonderful ideas!

I'm definitely moving my shopping up a bit since there is risk that things are already closed on the 24th. I have been looking for an excuse to make an epic charcuterie platter that we can munch on Christmas day and the day after.

Good idea! For charcuterie, what we call "Embutidos" in Spain, I'd recommend the underground food market beneath the Corte Inglés on the Plaça de Catalunya. The market covers all your charcuterie needs, salchichón, jamon iberico, fuet de Vic (my favourite), chorizo, sobrasada, various cheeses, and wine from all over Spain.

While at the Corte Inglés, make sure to pick the traditional Spanish Christmas delicacy Turron – a nougat-like sweet usually mixed in with toasted almonds or even chocolate. yum!