the hot goddess

Midlife Dazzle ~ December Decoration in Portugal

Christmas markets and holiday displays are in full force throughout Portugal, with just 10 days until Natal. But, as a midlife expat, I’m finding the most joyful celebration of the season in the simplicity of my surroundings and nature’s beautiful December decorating.

Breathe. Savor. Reflect.

Wondrous majesty

Never far from willing eyes

Celebrating joy
Eucalyptus tree seed pod
Eucalyptus tree bark
Remains of 12th-century anthropomorphic graves

Wrapping up with a more traditional taste of the Christmas season.

I loved making these large 3-D snowflakes with my second-grade students on the last day of school before winter break. We’d make waffles and sneak in a little multiplication practice with chocolate chip or raisin arrays, after not-so-covert practice with linear measurement and naming angles while creating our paper snowflakes. A Saturday morning date with my 7-year-old non-English-speaking vizinha (neighbor) continues the fun in Portugal this year, while sneaking in my own language-learning practice.

My physical therapist taught me how to make these snowflakes after my shoulder surgery in 2012. There are many online tutorials. Here’s one if you’re interested.
Yes, I have been good this year, Santa.
No, I am not lying.
What?? I’m not!!
OK, mais ou menos (more or less).
Whatever.
A hearty Sunday lunch of Cozido à Portuguesa, followed by a holiday concert. You’re hearing the voices of Vox Feminis, a Portuguese a capella choral group, singing in English.
Let’s not forget the traditional Christmas black hoodie and shades.

Thank you for reading ❤️. The next THG post will end the year with a look at expat expenses for 2023, my first full year in Portugal.

May this weekend and season find you celebrating the small wonders all around us. Boas festas! Happy holidays! ✨️

All images are my own.

The Hot Goddess

Instagram: retired_rewired_inspired

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44 comments

  7. I was mesmerized by a few of your photos! What a talented lady you are! I see you and Omar Sharif are still an item! Kudos! Happy holidays to you!

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  10. Fantastic photos, Natalie. My favorite is the second one with the juxtaposition of the still bird set against the backdrop of the rushing ocean.

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    • What do they say? When you’re retired every day is the weekend. Thank you for commenting here, Geoff, and also on my original Midlife Spending post last month/year. WP inexplicably deleted that article and all comments on New Year’s Day. Your comment there still shows up on my app notifications, but WP/JP won’t let me respond. Here’s to a 2024 with fewer tech glitches…
      😂😂 Right!

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