5 tips for an uncomplicated Christmas

05/11/2024

Christmas is synonymous with family, friends, joy, tradition and often a lot of stress. The hustle and bustle of everyday life already takes over our routine, and the festive season, with its expectations and responsibilities, can intensify the pressure and anxiety even more. The rush to find the unforgettable gift, organise the perfect dinner and keep the house tidy can turn this magical season into a real nightmare. But don't worry, with a little planning and a few tips, it's possible to make these days positively unforgettable.

1. Prepare the dinner in advance (and enjoy it!)

Preparing Christmas dinner doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. Nowadays, there are various options from restaurants, catering services, and supermarkets offering complete and delicious meals, ready to be enjoyed. Check the nearest offers or your family’s favorite restaurant. By opting for this alternative, you’re guaranteed a quality meal that pleases everyone. While avoiding the hustle in the kitchen and cleaning, you gain time to dedicate to other, more important activities.

2. Spend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day out

Have you thought about spending Christmas Eve at a cozy restaurant, charming hotel, or even taking a trip to a special place? This can be a great way to escape the stress, create unforgettable memories, and most importantly, have fewer tasks to handle.

Abroad

If you’re considering leaving the country, Berlin is definitely one of the options to consider: just a few hours from Portugal and home to one of the largest Christmas markets. Look for a hotel with Christmas menus and enjoy this dream destination.

The Paris area, also just a few hours from Portugal, can be an excellent destination. Step away from the city center and look for a charming hotel offering Christmas menus for the whole family.

Prefer warmer weather? How about Luanda? Break from routine entirely, leave the cold behind, and spend Christmas with the family in pleasant temperatures. At Terrakota, in the heart of Luanda, you can enjoy a Christmas Eve buffet dinner where the variety ensures you feel at home even miles away.

Beach

If you’d like to spend more time with family, Portugal has great options too, and the Algarve is always a good choice for those looking for a milder Christmas. At EPIC SANA Algarve, right by the traditional Falésia beach and surrounded by a vast pine forest, you’ll find the perfect option: a traditional Christmas eve dinner , and a family brunch on the 25th with live music.

Sesimbra, close to the sea, is a charming destination known for its natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and charming historic center. Choose a restaurant by the coast for your Christmas Eve dinner and let yourself be lulled by the sound of the waves. You could even start Christmas Day with a seaside walk and finish with lunch at a restaurant with an ocean view.

Cascais, also by the sea, is famous for its natural beauty and cosmopolitan vibe. Known for its vibrant nightlife and festive spirit, with Christmas markets, a Ferris wheel, and twinkling lights along the streets, Cascais offers excellent options for a Christmas Eve dinner or a delicious Christmas Day brunch.

Christmas Markets

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Vila Natal

Óbidos is a favorite destination this time of year, and Vila Natal is a magical experience. Whether for a holiday getaway or Christmas Eve, this Christmas fair is a must-see. Just minutes away, Caldas da Rainha is a perfect city for those looking to escape the crowds and focus on quality time. SANA Silver Coast is right in front of Dom Carlos I Park and the José Malhoa Museum.

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Wonderland

The largest Christmas theme park, which fills Eduardo VII Park with color and light, is a major attraction in Lisbon. Loved by all ages, it’s impossible not to spend at least an afternoon (or several) here. If you’re considering staying nearby to enjoy Wonderland and celebrate Christmas, there are many suggestions.

Right in front of the park, EPIC SANA Marques offers a Christmas Eve buffet dinner with live music inspired by Portuguese traditions. You could also opt for a themed Christmas Eve dinner at the Italian restaurant Allora , where Christmas lunch will be served on the 25th.

Further up from Eduardo VII Park, EPIC SANA Lisboa has a special Christmas Eve buffet dinner with live cooking, live music, and entertainment for children. On the 25th, a delightful Christmas brunch awaits everyone.

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Campo Pequeno Christmas Market

The famous Christmas market, one of the oldest in the city, is ideal for buying Christmas gifts and holiday treats. Near this area, a newly opened hotel in Lisbon offers buffet options for both Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch.

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Rossio Christmas Market

In Rossio Square, one of the main historical areas, this market is surrounded by the city’s best Christmas lights. With quaint wooden houses, Portuguese craftsmanship, and traditional gastronomy at its finest, it’s ideal to leave the car behind and take the blue metro line to fully enjoy the experience. If you’re looking for a hotel along the blue metro line that also offers Christmas menus, there’s no shortage of options. SANA Malhoa, known for its themed decorations, has a traditional Christmas Eve dinner planned for the 24th, as well as a family Christmas lunch on the 25th. Astrolábio at SANA Metropolitan, famous for its pastéis de nata and traditional Portuguese cozido served on Thursdays, has planned a Christmas Eve dinner and a buffet Christmas lunch not to be missed.

Lisbon

In the eastern part of the city, with a river view, you’ll find a Christmas Eve feast filled with delicious flavors. If you prefer to spend the 25th out, opt for a delightful brunch with a special corner for children.

In the heart of the city, EVOLUTION Lisboa, with a vibrant view, will prepare exclusive menus for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lunch.

3. Start Christmas shopping early

Avoid the endless lines and last-minute rush. Set a budget and start buying gifts early, taking advantage of promotions and avoiding the stress of last-minute shopping. Plus, you’ll have more time to choose personalized and special gifts within your budget.

4. Organize your schedule and divide tasks

Good planning is essential to avoid chaos. Use your phone’s calendar to note down all commitments and tasks. Don’t forget to divide the tasks among family members or friends by adding them to the calendar invite, and avoid overloading yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask for help whenever needed, and avoid scheduling too much on the same day. Unexpected events and delays happen, so this will help you prevent feelings of frustration.

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5. Set aside time for self-care

Twenty-four hours a day isn’t enough for everything that needs to be done in December. Between friends’ dinners, company gatherings, shopping, birthdays, endless lists, and daily routines that can’t be neglected, it’s essential to remember to pause and take care of yourself. Set aside time to relax with your loved ones. Why not give your friends a gift voucher for an early Christmas present and spend a relaxing afternoon at the spa together? From relaxing massages and facial treatments to water circuits, there’s no shortage of options.

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With a little organization and planning, you can turn Christmas into a magical and relaxing time. Be flexible: unexpected events happen, so be prepared to adjust your plans. Enjoy every moment and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. After all, what’s most important is celebrating with the people you love.

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