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Lesson Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Brazil Series at PortuguesePod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind holidays and observances in Brazil. I’m Becky, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 2 - Christmas, or in Portuguese, Natal.
In Brazil, Christmas is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. It is synonymous with seeing family and lots of love and gifts.
Christmas is very important for all Christians in Brazil, so many of them go to churches for Mass or Christmas service.
In this lesson, we'll see how Brazilians spend Christmas.
Now, before we get into more detail, I've got a question for you-
Do you know where the most crowded place in Brazil is during the Christmas holiday?
If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later, so keep listening!
Preparations for Christmas begin on November 30th.
This is the time to put up the Christmas tree and decorate the whole house. The Christmas tree is called árvore de Natal in Brazil. The most common decorations are wreaths, lights and, cribs. After almost a month of festivities and celebrations in January, people take down the tree and put away the decorations.
The Christmas Supper or ceia de Natal is a large and abundant table in Brazil. Because of the country’s cultural diversity, many typical Christmas dishes come from other countries.
The roast turkey or Peru assado, for example, is very common in Brazil for Christmas. But many people opt for a Chester, which is a type of chicken, called chester in Portuguese, because it’s softer and juicier. And some families choose piglet or pork shank. And you can always find a good farofa salad or coleslaw.
And for dessert, panettone, the Italian bread with eggs and fruits, and chocotone are always present, together with many seasonal fruits, nuts, and chestnuts.
And the highlight is at midnight for kids, because it is the time they receive gifts from Santa Claus or in Portuguese, Papai Noel. Santa Claus arrives while the children are sleeping, and leaves the gifts under the Christmas tree.
Like in many other countries, many Brazilian children write a letter to Santa Claus before Christmas, explaining how they behaved and were obedient during the year and what they would like to receive as a gift.
Now it's time to answer our quiz question-
Do you know where the most crowded place in Brazil is during the Christmas holiday?
Unlike many countries, Christmas is celebrated in the summer or verão in Brazil. So many people go to the beach or praia to spend Christmas and New Year.
But it’s better to make this plan as early as possible, because everything will be booked quickly.
How was this class? Have you learned anything new about Brazil and Christmas?
How do you celebrate Christmas in your country?
Leave us a comment at PortuguesePod101.com.
And I'll see you in the next lesson!

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