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Words Related to Christmas in Portuguese

Christmas is approaching, and in this story we will look at useful Portuguese words connected to this time of year — along with their English translations.

The Basics

Natal — Christmas Ano Novo — New Year canções de Natal — Christmas carols árvore de Natal — Christmas tree presépio — nativity scene luzes — lights doces — sweets

Greetings

During Christmas, Portuguese speakers say:

Feliz Natal! — Merry Christmas! Boas festas! — Happy holidays!

And in the first days of the new year, they say:

Feliz Ano Novo! — Happy New Year! Bom Ano Novo! — Happy New Year!

Food

Certain foods are very common in Portuguese homes during this season. Here are the most famous ones:

bolo-rei — King cake A traditional Christmas cake filled with candied fruits and nuts. It is especially popular in Portugal.

rabanadas — Portuguese-style French toast Slices of bread soaked in milk or wine, fried, and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.

sonhos — fritters Light, deep-fried dough balls often dusted with sugar. Their name means “dreams.”

filhós — fried dough pastries Golden fried pastries, crispy on the outside and soft inside, often flavored with orange or anise.

peru assado — roast turkey A common Christmas main dish, usually served with potatoes or rice.

Decorations

Streets and homes are beautifully decorated during Christmas.

decorações— decorations árvore de Natal — Christmas tree Pai Natal — Santa Claus estrela — star presentes de Natal — Christmas presents meias de Natal — Christmas stockings

I hope this story has been helpful. Feliz Natal e Feliz Ano Novo!