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Maria Pereira's avatar

Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo!

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Caroline McVitty's avatar

Well, it all looks very magical. I know since you left the reservation you are not what one would call “religious” and I am pleased to see that the fun stuff of the season exists in your adopted country. Santa, Christmas lights, shopping, finger food, shopping, amusement rides, shopping, partying, shopping. OMG, it’s like being in the USA. Of course, the other part of Christmas in Portugal will show up in all the churches and cathedrals around the country on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Then, again at the Epiphany 12 days later. Those Wisemen took the long route! Merry Christmas, my dears!

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Jim McDonald's avatar

We have lived in Germany now for 7 years and we love the Christmas markets! And not just in Germany. We have enjoyed markets in France, the Netherlands, Austria, Hungary and Estonia as well! Looking forward to the Portuguese markets next year!

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MIke Johnston's avatar

Boa festas! A really nice post, Nancy. We've enjoyed looking at the lights and visiting the markets. Your observation is spot on: There is a decidedly different feel about it all.

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Armin's avatar

Aren’t you guys going to have a party and invite all of us faithful readers ?!! :-)

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Noblepower's avatar

Happy holidays!

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Barb Birnbaum's avatar

Hope you and Denise have a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2022!!

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Richard Lehman's avatar

Nancy, wonderful write up on the holiday season. When I see pictures of Caldas and now Obidos, it is a real sense of the true spirit of CHRISTmas and the gathering of families and community during this religious holiday. The beauty of Portugal is it is not just this one Festas (holiday), they celebrate and embrace all of them will equal joy and sense of family and community alike. Wishing both of you a very Feliz Boa Festas.😘😘😘😘

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Bruce Joffe's avatar

Love your blog! I cover many of the same topics and theme in mine: pastorbrucesblog.com.

I am publisher and creative director of Portugal Living Magazine (portugallivingmagazine.com) and would love to publish one (or more) of your blogs in our magazine! Boas festas e Feliz natal.

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Nancy Whiteman's avatar

Thanks, feel free to contact me at ncwhiteman@gmail.com

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Karyn's avatar

Happy Holidays! Beautiful share of simpler times based on family and joy! I’ll be arriving in Lisbon on Jan 12 and curious about 10-day lockdown; is this the remote worker lockdown from Jan 2-9? I’m in denial about canceling my trip. Any thoughts are very helpful. Thank you!

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Maria Pereira's avatar

The lockdown is until January 7 but the prime minister is going to say today if it will be longer…

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Karyn's avatar

Thank you! I’ll be looking for this update today. :)

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