Traditionally Brazilians celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Families start with a big dinner with elaborate dessert and then exchange presents, staying up late into the night singing and drinking wine. Christmas day is very relaxed; family members go about cleaning house or spending time with friends.

The Santos prefer to do a little bit of both traditions.
I arrived home on Christmas Eve at about fifteen 'til midnight. Eudoxio, Lucia and Andre were enjoying a delcious evening meal. (I was stuffed from having just returned from an extravegant Brazilian Christmas Eve worship and celebration with my boyfriend's family.) I sat with them until it struck midnight and we all exchanged hugs practically singing, "Feliz Natal!" I retired to my room thinking the night was over for us (we were having family over for lunch and presents the following day). About five minutes later Lucia called my name rather urgently. I ran out to see what the fuss was about, encountering the three of them outside in the courtyard opening a bottle of champaign. We sipped our tall glasses under the bright, full moon.