Lifestyles Around the Globe 🌐 Christmas Traditions in Portugal

Introduce ESL/EFL learners (B1) to Christmas traditions in Portugal with reading, vocabulary, and trivia. Perfect for class, online, or homework before or after the holidays.

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Author: Joana | Founder of up2dateskills

Sometimes the holiday season flies by, and classroom Christmas activities get left behind. But who says festive fun has to end in December? Why not kick off the new year by exploring Christmas traditions from around the world? This year, I picked a country, dove into its unique celebrations, and made it a fun “come back” activity. The text I am sharing today is the starting point for a reading activity designed for B1 English language learners, perfect for diving into Portuguese holiday customs while brushing up on language skills.

You can get a printable worksheet for your class below. It includes all the activities and answer key, no prep required!

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Printable worksheet

Portuguese Christmas Traditions

A Celebration of Family and Faith (Even for Atheists)

In Portugal, Christmas isn’t just a holiday – it is the season where families and food come together in a whirlwind of catholic traditions so beloved that even the most secular souls can’t help but join in the festive fun. After all, who could say no to boiled codfish and potatoes served with a side of family drama?

Yes, you read that correctly – aunt Maria is coming this year, and the menu stays the same.

Christmas Decorations

Christmas starts popping up as soon as the first hint of November rolls around – because why wait? Decorations can vary from house to house, but there are a few essentials.

The Christmas tree is a must. The pinheiro or árvore de Natal is typically adorned with glittery ornaments, a big star at the top, and probably enough tinsel to make environmental activists cringe.

Then there is the nativity scene. From simple table displays to landscape recreations, the presépio comes complete with figurines of the Holy Family, Baby Jesus, a cow and a donkey, at least. If kids get involved though, you might even spot the occasional toy car or a plastic dinosaur. Hey, Christmas is for everyone, right?

For some neighbors, the holiday spirit can’t be contained indoors, so they will drag their decorations outside.

Codfish and Conversation

The centerpiece of the holiday is Christmas Eve, where the consoada takes pride of place. Sure, it is a seemingly humble meal of codfish, potatoes, cabbage and turnip greens, but it is elevated to near-sacred status as families gather around the table to share stories, laughter, and possibly a few grumbles about who overcooked the bacalhau.

The simplicity of the meal is meant to reflect Portugal’s historic Catholic influence, focusing on humility and gratitude during this sacred season. But when you see the price of cod, the money wasted on desserts, and the presents piling up, humility might take a back seat.

Who Was Born and When?

Once dinner is done (and after a fifth helping of dessert), it is off to Midnight Mass, or Missa do Galo.

If you are an atheist or agnostic, don’t worry – the codfish won’t judge you. As for the people around the table, some don’t care much, if at all, about religion, so you are safe, and the others probably won’t believe you anyway. After all, they know you have talked to God at least once, even if it was just to ask for a parking spot at the mall earlier that day while rushing for last-minute gifts – a divine test of patience in itself.

Back to Missa do Galo… Now, let’s be honest – few actually make it. Most are too busy getting ready for the real highlight: the kids ripping through their presents at midnight as if their life depended on each prenda they get.

Keeping the Traditions Alive

As Santa Claus has also found his way into Portuguese homes, Baby Jesus is giving fewer and fewer presents each year. CTT handles the letters to Pai Natal in this part of the globe, so don’t forget to post yours.

Nevertheless, the heart of the season remains the same – family, gifts and plenty of food. Younger generations join their families in upholding these customs to ensure that the spirit of Portuguese Christmas endures and because let’s face it, Mom and Grandma wouldn’t have it any other way.

Whether you are a devout believer, a casual observer of family togetherness, or someone just there for the rabanadas (fried bread), Portuguese Christmas has something for everyone, and it is proof that you don’t need to believe in miracles to enjoy a season full of them.

Feliz Natal! 🎄🎅