Christmas Traditions and Gift Giving
The children receive Christmas gifts either at midnight on Christmas Eve or early Christmas morning. Shoes are placed near the fireplace as a receptacle for the presents. "Pai Natal" or "Father Christmas" delivers the presents along with the help of Baby Jesus. The family sets up a Nativity scene, called Presépio, with Mary, Joseph, the stable animals and the Three Wise Men. The Christ Child is not added to the scene until after the family attends Midnight Mass. On Christmas Day, the Portuguese visit friends and family enjoying a meal together, usually turkey, chicken, or lamb.