Back home in Brazil, we love celebrating Christmas just as much as you all do here in Britain. It’s just a little warmer over there, as December 25 happens to be in the middle of summer!
It’s all about family, friends, food, drink and music, which probably sounds familiar, although our main celebrations tend to be on Christmas Eve – and there may well be a beach party among the celebrations for some. Board shorts, bikinis and cold brew then, rather than cosy quilts, log fires and Irish coffee.
The festivities continue late into the night with a New Year’s Eve-esque climax at midnight, with gift swapping for the adults. When Christmas officially arrives, the party can just be getting started for some revellers – but, eventually, people make their way to bed…
Christmas Day itself tends to be a little more relaxed back home, although children are just as excited to wake up on the day to find out what Papai Noel (Father Noel) or Bom Velhinho (Good Old Man) may or may not have delivered.
As for the food… well, there’s a lot of it! Mountains of turkey, cod and rice, but there are regional variations wherever you go.
It might be surprising to some, but there are many different European influences to be found throughout Brazil and so, depending on where you are, Christmas pudding might be a Germanic stollen or Italian-inspired panettone.
These fruit breads are both perfect accompaniments for all of our Cafezino coffees, and worth exploring if you’re looking for something a little different this year for your Christmas dinner.
As for a traditional fruit-filled and brandy-laced British pudding, we love the citrus zing that our Flor de Laranjeira can bring to the table. Give it a try this Christmas, or you can always make things a little more decadent with our take on an Espresso Martini (see recipe below!). Well, it is Christmas after all!
If you would like to add some exclusive Cafezinho coffee to your Christmas dinner or take a pack as a unique ‘thank you’ for a party host – or even, perhaps, give one as a Secret Santa gift to a friend who longs for adventure and travel to exotic destinations – we will be sending out deliveries into the final weekend before the big day. You can order your coffee here before Friday December 21.
We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!