Podcast Summary: Hoy por Hoy

Host: SER Podcast
Episode: La mirada | Maruja Torres: "Mientras la amistad quede y se encienda de pronto en el salón de casa"
Date: November 26, 2025
Guest voice: Maruja Torres (A)
Main Theme:
A personal, evocative reflection on la luz verdadera – the meaningful brightness of friendship shining through the winter darkness, contrasted with the superficial glare of holiday lights and the everyday difficulties of modern life.

1. Overview of the Episode

In this emotive commentary, celebrated writer Maruja Torres shares her seasonal mood as holidays approach. Employing her signature wit and observant tone, she describes her aversion to the forced cheer of winter and commercial festivities, but ultimately highlights the genuine warmth that comes from the unexpected arrival of close friends. Torres advocates for small authentic joys—the "good light"—as an antidote to societal fatigue and end-of-year hysteria.

2. Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Onset of Winter and Personal Withdrawal

• Vampire Season Metaphor:
  Torres humorously notes that the holiday season marks her transformation into a reluctant “vampira”, hiding from the world as lights switch on and darkness takes over.
  • “Ha empezado para mí esa época interminable del año en que me convierto en una vampira.” [00:08]
• Coping Mechanisms:
  Describes her strategies for winter: hibernating as soon as it is dark and only venturing out for "emergencies" like doctor visits—always prepared with a wool hat to shield herself.
  • “Para esas emergencias llevo un gorro de lana desplegable que me cubre los ojos. Algunos taxistas me comprenden, otros no. Así es la vida.” [00:33]

Social Alienation and Urban Environment

• Cultural Irony:
  Touches on the need to "cover your nose" against the stench of conservatism and retreat into one’s home, poking fun at herself by imagining being a severe Nordic woman with candles and no curtains.
  • “Taparse la nariz para que no te asfixie el tufo a carcunda, o encerrarse en casa... creer que soy una austera nórdica sin cortinas.” [00:44]

The True Light: Friendship

• Surprise Visits:
  Amidst the gloom, Torres finds real joy in the sudden news that a friend from another city will visit, a "valuable" and cherished event.
  • “Una amiga que vive en otra ciudad te anuncia una visita inesperada y por ello más valiosa.” [00:54]
• Reenacting Routines:
  She delights in the anticipation of these reunions' rituals: sitting on the floor, exchanging future plans and listening.
  • “Sé que en pocas horas la tendré sentada como siempre en el suelo, contándome sus planes y escuchando los míos.” [01:02]
• The Unseen Luminous Glow:
  This “contaminación luminosa” (luminous contamination) is an invisible but vital thread—human warmth which keeps intelligent life thriving, a signal of hope for the future.
  • “Esa es la contaminación luminosa que tal vez no se vea desde Marte, aunque debería...” [01:10]
  • Notable quote:
    “...permite que algo tan raro y delicado como es la vida inteligente en el planeta siga manteniendo su nivel de esperanza en el futuro mientras la amistad quede y se encienda de pronto en el salón de casa.” [01:15]

A Plea for Genuine Connection over December Frenzy

• Deliberate Positivity:
  Torres notes her creative effort to avoid cynicism, anger, or the superficial chaos ("caspa, ira, fatbos, fuegos frenéticos"), instead advocating for light that sustains:
  • “He hecho un gran esfuerzo para que este, nuestro rincón de hoy, no se llene de caspa, ni de ira, ni de fatbos, ni de fuegos frenéticos.” [01:26]
• Final Message:
  She offers her listeners “luz de la buena”—the good light—to help endure the "anticipated hysteria of December".
  • “Luz de la buena para sobrellevar la anticipada histeria de diciembre.” [01:31]

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On seasonal withdrawal:
  • “Me convierto en una vampira.” (Maruja Torres) [00:08]
• On finding warmth in friendship:
  • “Mientras la amistad quede y se encienda de pronto en el salón de casa.” (Maruja Torres) [01:15]
• On coping with society:
  • “Taparse la nariz para que no te asfixie el tufo a carcunda...” (Maruja Torres) [00:44]
• On what matters:
  • “Luz de la buena para sobrellevar la anticipada histeria de diciembre.” (Maruja Torres) [01:31]

4. Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:08] – Opening, “vampira” metaphor, avoidance of festive lights.
• [00:33] – Survival strategies for winter, humorous anecdotes.
• [00:44] – Social commentary, retreating indoors.
• [00:54] – News of a friend’s visit sparks genuine happiness.
• [01:10] – The concept of “contaminación luminosa” and its emotional resonance.
• [01:26] – Intentional effort to bring positivity, avoid negativity during the holiday rush.
• [01:31] – Final message: offering listeners “luz de la buena”.

Conclusion

This episode stands out for Maruja Torres’ sharp, poetic reflection on the contrasts between hollow seasonal glitter and the real, sustaining glow of human connection. Her words encourage listeners to prioritize authentic friendship and warmth, especially in the face of society’s year-end frenzy.

Mood: Intimate, ironic, hopeful
Recommended for: Those seeking meaning amidst the chaos of the holiday season, lovers of warm literary monologue, and anyone in need of “good light” in December.