CHRISTMAS PAGE

PART THREE

Traditions: Portugal

About Christmas in Portugal, since the majority of the population is
Catholic we celebrated of course!
Instead of Turkey with eat Codfish with potatoes and vegetables, it's the
TRADITION. Most people, as for instance my family, goes up to their roots
(countryside) to be with the whole family from aunts and grandparents
to second degree cousins! At the stroke of midnight we open our gifts,
but before that we chat all night long! I reckon not all portuguese families are like that, but mine is...so I love Christmas.Since I'm also a scout there is also the tradition to give clothes,shoes or books that you no longer need to the needed (clothes must be in a
good state), food recollection is also very common!

Isabel

Feliz Natal !!

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TART PUNCH ( by JONI )

1 quart each of apricot juice,cranberry juice,
grapefruit juice,pineapple juice

fresh mint anf orange peel for garnish

Mix juices together and chill. In punch bowl, pour mixture over ice and add garnish.
Yield: 20 servings

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Christmas in Japan

Most of us eat Christmas cake, and give out
presents to our familles and friends.
Some go out to drink or hold parties with their friends. I guess this is the same with people in USA, and Europe. But as Japan is basically the Buddhist country, very few are conscious of the tradition and the religious meaning of Christmas.
Even so, Christmas trees are beautifully decorated in various towns here; the whole
town is covered with wonderful illuminations are not as bright as those in USA, and
Europe, though. I've seen on TV that many colorful lights were decorated on walls,
houses and around gardens over there. I like it very much and hope to visit the United
States around Christmas some day.

Hitomi

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