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Christmas in Portugal
Father Christmas is believed to bring presents to children on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day. The presents are left under the Christmas tree or in shoes by the fireplace.
Like in Spain, the traditional Christmas meal in Portugal is eaten during the evening of Christmas Eve and consists of codfish with vegetables and boiled potatoes. This is normally followed by shellfish, wild meats or other expensive foods.
After the meal, people go to church for the 'Missa do Galo' or 'Mass of the Rooster' service. After the service people return home, and open their presents.
Every house has a rich table set in the living room full with traditional food, cakes, fried cookies, nuts and other goodies! The traditional Christmas cake is 'Bolo Rei' (which means 'King Cake') and is placed in the center of the table. People drink porto wine, traditional liquors and eat 'azevias' and 'felhozes' (Portuguese biscuits and sweets). The party lasts until the early hours of the morning!
On Christmas Day the living room table remains untouched and people still enjoy their goodies together! Families come together and have Christmas Day lunch together.
In Portuguese Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Feliz Natal or Boas Festas'. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages.