A land of emigration since the 15th century maritime expansion, Portugal has in recent years become a sought-after destination for many immigrants in search of a better life.
In fact, even before the most recent wave of immigration, many foreigners chose the “planted coastal country” as their home.
They came from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany and even the United States.
This is the case of Sarah Beach and David Allen, who moved to the municipality of Anzio ten years ago.
After traveling to four world championships in their lifetime, they were looking for a place with friendly people, pleasant temperatures, nature and lots of peace.
Originally from the United Kingdom, they lived part of their lives in Australia and traveled across Europe in a caravan until they bought a house on the outskirts of the village of Anxiao.
With them, they brought their most precious possessions: memories, a dog, photographs and heirlooms.
Speaking of which, they explain that in Great Britain, Christmas Eve is not the highlight of Christmas.
It is reserved for December 25th, the Feast of Lights and the birthday of Christ.
British society imported tradition. “In the UK, people wake up late and have a late breakfast of salmon, scrambled eggs and sometimes champagne or mimosas,” Sarah explains.
Before that, though, at David and Sarah's house, lined with limestone and light wood shutters and doors, it's time to open presents that Santa Claus has left in the stocking hanging from the fireplace. Or elsewhere in the home, lacking a traditional architectural element.
It's time to see who behaved well and got rewarded or who was bad and got a coal … Tradition is similar to the Portuguese.
Thanks to Brexit, we can no longer afford many traditional items and will have to create everything from scratch
Sarah Beach
In Anzio, they try to recreate some traditions, but they leave others behind.
At 2 or 3 p.m., while the entire Commonwealth is still hearing the Christmas message of King Charles III in the United Kingdom, David, a graphic designer, and Sarah, a translator, begin their Christmas lunch.
“In Britain, it's a big meal with family, socializing, presents, lots of drink and food. Turkey is the main dish, and it was popular in the 50s, before duck came along,” says Sarah.
With duck fat oven-roasted potatoes and turnips, Pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon), thick slices of fried ham and Brussels sprouts, also fried.
Bread sauce (of course!), spices, milk and onion, and various sauces like cranberry sauce all together.
For dessert, there's a “mince pie,” a pie filled with dried fruit, brandy, and lots of sugar.
And Christmas, it wouldn't be Christmas without hot Christmas pudding, dried fruit and… wine.
All afternoon, watching the classic Christmas movie, at least for those still awake.
“There are people who help their digestion by playing family games or going for a walk. At the end of the day, dinner is made with leftovers or a light meal,” says Sarah, who admits she doesn't follow all British Christmas customs, especially since the couple is vegetarian.
“Creating pigs in blankets without meat is challenging. Thanks to Brexit, we won't be able to get a lot of traditional stuff, so everything has to be made from scratch.
There are even people who purposely visit their family in the UK in early December and when they come back, they bring lots of condiments and special things in their suitcases for themselves and their friends.
Alternatively, there is a grocery store in Avellar that has everything a British person needs for a “very British Christmas”.
“We always have a 'real Christmas tree.' David prunes our laurel tree and we use decorated branches. Some of the decorations are from my Christmas at my parents' house.
The best part for those living in the United Kingdom is that the 26th is a public holiday, the famous Boxing Day, and there's time to unbuckle your belt and ride around the house before returning to work, in the days leading up to the New Year.
Unfortunately, David and Sarah live in Anzio.
Alex and Julia Khachatryan live across the street from the English. They were born in Moscow, in the former Soviet Union, and lived in the United States for three decades before fate took them north of the Leiria district.
Both their families have Armenian, Jewish and Christian roots.
“Despite this, we are not very religious in our family. In the USSR, there were no religions, only state and state holidays. However, traditions come with families, and as children, we celebrated Easter when many people went to graveyards,” says Alex, who has been in charge of an NGO that encourages teaching maths to children through technology for several years.
The current season ended up being the most significant for the New Year, as it is a non-political, secular and non-controversial holiday with “lots of food, parties and nights”.
“Now, we mark Christmas Day with a nice dinner and good wine. We also don't celebrate Hanukkah. [importante festa judaica que coincide com o Natal e é conhecido como o Festival das Luzes]But we have our own values”, he sums up.
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