On Christmas Eve Portuguese families gather around the Christmas tree and the Crèche to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Catholicism is the main religion in Portugal.Many families attend the Midnight Mass (called "Missa do Galo"). After mass they gather around the table and have supper (called "Ceia de Natal"). On Christmas Eve, supper (called "Consoada") consists of codfish with boiled potatoes and cabbage.
After the meal, people eat traditional fried desserts: "filhoses or filhós" are made of fried pumpkin dough; "rabanadas" are similar to french toast; "azevias" are round cakes made of a crust filled with a mixture of chick peas, sugar, and orange peel; "aletria" is a vermicelli sweet with eggs (typical of Douro and Minho region). Another traditional dessert is "Bolo Rei". This is a fruitcake that is typically a New Years cake, but is becoming popular during Christmas Holidays. In the cake there are two surprises: one is a little present like a fake ring, or a little doll, or a medal. The other is not as welcomed. There is a raw broad bean. Whoever gets this bean has to buy the "Bolo Rei" in the coming year. In addition to these desserts there are many other that differ from region to region.In some regions of the country, carolers sing Christmas carols (called "Janeiras") in the streets.
Some families will open the presents (that are displayed around the Christmas tree) on Christmas Eve around midnight. Others open them in the morning of the 25th, Christmas Day. Some families put one shoe ("sapatinho") of each child next to the chimney (since most of the kitchens in Portugal have one) or next to the fireplace instead of a stocking.
On Christmas Day, people eat stuffed turkey for lunch and the traditional desserts.
During the holiday season towns are decorated with lights. The festivities end on January 6, "Dia de Reis".
