Christmas Day: December 25
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Portugal.
December 25 is Christmas Day in Portugal. There is usually no work, most shops are closed, and the country almost stops completely. It is the day that the birth of Jesus is celebrated, and it is an important day for families to get together and enjoy some quality time.
History of Christmas Day in Portugal
Even though the day of the birth of Jesus Christ isn’t sure, the Catholic Church chose December 25 as the anniversary of Jesus Christ to Christianize a Roman pagan festival that was observed on this day due to the winter solstice. Christians took the holiday and gave it new meaning. Since in the winter solstice it is the beginning of longer days of sunlight in the northern hemisphere, the holiday was given the meaning that the birth of Jesus brought more light to the lives of Christians. During the Middle Ages in Europe, the day became more important in the Christian calendar. Even though it was supposed to be a religious Christian holiday, people have gathered around the Christmas celebrations many pre-Christian winter traditions like the Christmas tree and candle decorations which hold meanings of light and life.
Portugal’s Christmas Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
In Portugal it is tradition to prepare the interior of the houses for Christmas with decorations and colorful lights. The Presépio (or “Nativity Scene” in English) with little statues recreating the scene of the birth of Jesus are displayed near the Christmas tree. The Christmas tree is usually placed in the dining room, and the Christmas gifts are placed under the tree. The gifts are opened after dinner on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day it’s time to enjoy the new gifts and visit family and friends. Christmas Day is dedicated by some to charitable works like visiting elderly people that have no family around them, giving out food to the poor, and many other charitable works.
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