As the leaves fall and the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air, it's a sign that November has arrived, bringing with it the promise of Christmas. In Lisbon, Oeiras, Sintra and Cascais, where beauty mixes with tradition, this is the ideal month to start planning and shopping with Christmas in mind.
Christmas is a magical time in Portugal, where families, Catholic or not, come together to celebrate with joy and generosity. In addition to special moments and traditions, a significant part of the Christmas festivities is dedicated to shopping and preparing for the celebrations.
Find out how much and in which areas the Portuguese invest during the Christmas season
According to statistical data, average expenditure per family during the Christmas season has increased slightly in recent years, reflecting the country's economic recovery. On average, during the Christmas season, families in Portugal spend approximately €500 to €700 , which includes purchasing gifts, food for festive dinners, decorations and other items related to Christmas. However, it is important to highlight that this average can vary significantly, depending on family size, purchasing power and personal preferences.
The largest share of Christmas spending usually goes towards buying gifts. The Portuguese are known for being generous at this time of year, and the search for meaningful gifts for family and friends is a culturally rooted tradition in our country. Around 50% to 60% of total expenditure is allocated to purchasing gifts , which can represent a considerable portion of the family budget.
But not only that, spending on food and drinks for festive dinners also plays an important role. With the Christmas table full of traditional delicacies, such as cod, turkey, French toast and king cake, spending on food and drink constitutes approximately 20% to 30% of families' budgets at that time.
Christmas decorations and activities related to the season also contribute to the expense. This category represents around 10% to 15% of total spending. Families in Portugal like to decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, nativity scenes and other decorative elements.
However, it is important to remember that the Christmas party is not just about monetary spending, but also about sharing affection, solidarity and special moments with loved ones.
The gain lies in anticipating
Anticipate Shopping: Avoid the hustle and bustle of the last few weeks before Christmas. November is the perfect month to calmly choose gifts for family and friends. The stores are not yet that busy, and many are already offering their Christmas collections.
Dream Decoration: How about starting to dream about decorating your home? Whether it's a minimalist style or an explosion of lights and colors, now is the time to plan and acquire everything you need to transform your home into a true Christmas tale.
Plan the Christmas Menu: Christmas in Oeiras is also synonymous with unique flavors. Start planning your supper menu, whether it's a traditional bacalhoada, a tender turkey or delicious convent sweets.
Family Moments: Take the opportunity to plan Christmas activities. It could be a trip to the theater to watch a show related to the season or an afternoon dedicated to creating homemade Christmas decorations with the little ones.
Solidarity: The Christmas spirit is also one of sharing. Think about how you can help those who need it most during this time, whether by donating to a local institution or participating in volunteering.
November is, therefore, the ideal month to start experiencing Christmas in Oeiras. With planning and anticipation, you will be able to enjoy this magical season with complete tranquility and joy. And you, have you started your preparations for Christmas?