How Portuguese Celebrate Christmas

Portugal is beautiful European country which is also home to some of the most beautiful heritage buildings. There is a huge population of Christians living in the country which automatically makes Christmas as one of their biggest festivals. The people living in the country follow some traditional ways of celebrating Christmas but you can also see that Christmas in Portugal is a little different because the people have their own beliefs and thoughts about it. In order to understand the Portugal Christmas you must read the following points:

• In Portugal most people prefer giving gifts at the time of Christmas. This means that exchanging of gifts is one of the major traditions of a Portuguese Christmas.
• Another very important thing that the Portuguese Christmas include is the ‘Christmas feast of the immaculate’.
  On the day of the Christmas there is another feast which is known as ‘Consoda’ where there are some extra spaces set on the table. These places are set for the souls of those who are already dead. People all over the country have a belief that providing food to the ancestors will provide a good fortune in the year to come.
• People living in the country also follow the tradition of burning Christmas log which is actually a piece of oak. The piece of oak burns on the hearth for the entire day of Christmas.
• Portuguese children also believe that by keeping their shoes filled with carrots and straws on the windowsills and doorways will lure the horses of the three wise men. They believe that the three wise men will leave gifts for the children which can be found in the morning.
• The Christmas traditions of the Portuguese are somewhat like people living in Spain as many families attend the midnight mass which is commonly known as ‘Missa do Galo’ in Portuguese. Various types of dishes are prepared in the mass meal but the most unique food items are the desserts.

Markets in the entire nation are beautifully decorated and it is the best time for shopkeepers because people like buying gifts and other decoration items for their home. Portuguese Christmas traditions are somewhat similar to traditions in other western countries but these are different in various aspects as well. Each and every nation has a personal touch to the Christmas celebrations and Portugal is no different. But exchanging gifts and preparing meals take the most time of the people celebrating Christmas in Portugal.