by Beatriz, age 8, asks Pai Natal do children leave their shoes by the fireplace for you?, about the Tagus River, and Portugal’s Consoada codfish tradition
Dear Pai Natal,
My name is Beatriz and I am 8 years old. I live in Lisbon, Portugal, where my avo makes a huge fish dinner on Christmas Eve called Consoada, and we always set an extra plate at the table just in case.
First, do children leave their shoes by the fireplace for you?
Second, a geography question: what river flows through Lisbon?
Third, a school question about my country: why is our Christmas Eve dinner, Consoada, built around codfish, bacalhau?
I left you a slice of bolo rei, king cake, and a small glass of warm milk.
Love, Beatriz, age 8, Lisbon, Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
From the Desk of Pai Natal
Dear Beatriz, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do children leave their shoes by the fireplace for you?
Quite often, yes, shoes lined up by the fireplace, a lovely old tradition here that I always enjoy filling.
What river flows through Lisbon?
The Tagus River flows through Lisbon on its way out to the Atlantic Ocean, and the city’s hills, lit up along the water at night, make for one of the most beautiful approaches anywhere on my European route.
Why is our Christmas Eve dinner, Consoada, built around codfish, bacalhau?
Bacalhau has been a treasured part of Portuguese cooking for centuries, ever since Portuguese sailors began fishing for cod in far-off northern waters and salting it to preserve it for the long journey home. Consoada, the late-night Christmas Eve meal, traditionally centers on boiled bacalhau with potatoes and greens.
Feliz Natal, Beatriz.
Ho ho ho, Pai Natal
