Christmas in Portugal

In Portugal, the tradition of giving gifts is a big part of the most Christmas celebrations. Portuguese traditions include Christmas Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Feast of the Holy Innocents that involve sharing of gifts. On Christmas Day, the feast is known as 'Consoda', where extra places are set at the table for the souls of the dead. It is believed that gifting food to ancestor's souls will make them bless the household with good fortune for the coming year.

Portuguese burn Cepo de Natal or the Christmas log, which is a piece of oak that burns on the hearth all through the day on Christmas. On 5th of January or Epiphany Eve, children keep their shoes along windowsills and doorways and fill them with carrots and straw to lure the horses of the Three Wise Men to their household during the night. The Three Kings (not the Santa) then leave gifts and treats for the children in their shoes, which they usually find in the morning and consist of candied fruits and sweet breads.