👋 Happy weekend tribe! It’s been a fun week getting into the Christmas spirit—wrapping gifts, blasting a playlist of Portuguese Christmas carols, and hustling away at my freshly landed job. Honestly, it’s hard to top this feeling of gratitude and excitement. But enough about me—let’s talk about you and the little gifts I’ve wrapped up in this week’s newsletter.

Remember when I mentioned registering as a freelancer? Some of you had great questions about the who, what, and how of making your hustle legit in Portugal. I’m thrilled to announce that one of our upcoming “Ask An Expert” articles will dive into all these juicy details. Stay tuned—and keep sharing with friends who might find it helpful!

What you can expect to bite into today:

🎄Last-minute Christmas activity ideas to keep the holiday stress in check

🏘️ The charming chaos of small-town living (and a tip on keeping your private life, well, private)

🎁Practice your Christmas lingo with our fab video that'll have you saying O que queres para o Natal? like a pro.

Grab your coffee, cozy up, and let’s dive in!

UPCOMING IN “ASK AN EXPERT”

Exciting Expert Insights Coming Your Way 🎉 

Our Ask An Expert series is heating up with some must-read articles for expats navigating life in Portugal. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming over the next few months:

DEC ‘24: The Huge Benefits for Under 35s

If you’re under 35, you’re sitting on a goldmine of opportunities in Portugal. From tax perks to affordable housing options, discover how to make the most of these advantages before it’s too late.

JAN ‘25: The Living Will: How to Set This Up as an Expat in Portugal

Planning for the future is key, no matter where you’re from. Learn the ins and outs of creating a living will in Portugal, so you can have peace of mind knowing your wishes are clear.

FEB ‘25: Freelance vs. Registering a Business in Portugal

Wondering whether to keep things simple or go all-in? We’ll break down the pros and cons of freelancing versus starting your own business in Portugal to help you decide what works best for you.

These articles are packed with practical advice from the experts at Fresh Portugal, designed to make your expat life a little easier. Remember, we publish an Ask An Expert article once a month, so stay tuned for this invaluable content!

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CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY IDEAS 🎄 

Christmas: Last Minute Suggestions for Indoor And Outdoor Fun

Some inspiration I came across this week for last-minute holiday activities (or gifts)—whether for others or yourself. (Just a note: none of these suggestions and links are affiliate links. They’re simply my favorite ideas from the week, and I hope they spark some inspiration!)

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THE GRIND

The Woes and Delights of Small-Town Living

While doing some research on Facebook earlier this week, I stumbled across a thread about expats moving to Portugal without ever having set foot in the country before. I was surprised to see that so many of us (yes, myself and my family included) seem to take the plunge without so much as a LSD trip. (Look, See, Do—where is your mind going?)

Although I can’t point fingers at those who make this roller-coaster life decision on a whim (we’re one of those), I do wish we had done more research before moving here. One thing I’d reconsider is how well-connected (or not) some towns are. Small-town life is a mix of challenges and charms, and your experience will largely depend on understanding the quirks of your chosen area.

Small Town Woes

The Public Transport Puzzles

This week, we needed to get to Coimbra University Hospital for Wayne’s scans (yes, this seems to be a recurring December theme now). With only one car running—and perhaps a bit overdue for a service—we explored public transport options. Turns out, getting from Alcobaça to Coimbra is an adventure on its own.

The “direct” bus required a transfer at Caldas da Rainha, with a long return trip leaving Wayne stranded until 9 p.m. Meanwhile, the train, while direct from Valado dos Frades, had limited return schedules, with the final arrival back home late at night again. That’s a long day for a guy getting a brain scan, you know. In the end, we drove.

If you have a car in Portugal, driving to wherever you need to go is an easy decision to make. But if you’re relying on public transport, study the routes and timetables of potential towns thoroughly. Small towns may look charming, but their connectivity can be a real challenge. Additionally, keep in mind that weekends and public holidays can further disrupt schedules, leaving you stranded or scrambling for alternatives.

Possible Small-Town Woes To Be Aware Of:

• Healthcare: we’ve covered this in-depth in a previous article that you can read here. Access to hospitals and specialists can vary widely. Make this a research priority before a crisis arises. It’s not just about proximity; consider whether your local health center has English-speaking staff or if you’ll need to navigate complex medical systems on your own.

• Small Town Famous: everyone knows you eventually. This might be a woe or a delight, depending on your personality. But just remember, be on your best behavior, as an expat you stand out like a sore thumb (or it could be the accent), and very soon you know every other expat in your area, too. Somehow we’re all drawn to each other, probably due to a deep need to “fit in” somewhere. But, be prepared for your pinkie-toe bunion to be local news before you’ve even introduced yourself.

• Work Challenges: the challenge of finding jobs aside, some professions, like my husband’s handyman work, face the risk of “fixing yourself out of a job.” Small-town markets often reach saturation faster. If you’re planning to work remotely, ensure you have access to reliable high-speed internet—a surprising challenge in some areas.

• Schooling Options: small towns don’t always have diverse educational options. If private, English-speaking, or alternatives like Montessori schools are important, prepare for long commutes. Even public schools may vary significantly in quality, so it’s worth visiting and speaking to other parents beforehand.

The Delights of Small-Town Living

Now, there are some things about living in a small town that are priceless. Here are a few that might convince you of small-town charms:

• Familiar Faces Everywhere: what’s a curse in one light is a blessing in another. There’s a warmth to seeing familiar faces everywhere you go—whether it’s the cashier on her day off or the mayor at the market. This sense of community is priceless.

• Slower Pace, Simpler Life: life in a small town forces you to slow down. No bumper-to-bumper traffic or packed malls here—just quiet streets, friendly waves, and an unhurried rhythm. It’s a lifestyle that encourages mindfulness, whether it’s sipping a morning coffee on your terrace or strolling through the local market.

• Affordable Living: From rent to fresh produce at the market, small towns tend to offer more bang for your buck. Your budget stretches further, making it easier to embrace the good life. And let’s not forget the joy of discovering seasonal specialties at unbeatable prices, like locally-made cheese or freshly-pressed olive oil.

• Cultural Immersion: Small towns are where traditions thrive. Whether it’s local festivals or neighbors offering you homemade specialties, this is Portugal at its most authentic. You’ll find yourself invited to festas, or sampling a neighbor’s grandmother’s secret recipe for bacalhau. These moments create lasting memories.

Final Thoughts

Small-town living in Portugal is a mixed bag of delights and frustrations. If you love community, simplicity, and charm, it might be your dream come true. But don’t romanticize it—be prepared for logistical hurdles, occasional isolation, and the inevitability of becoming everyone’s favorite topic of conversation.

Do your research, weigh the trade-offs, and—most importantly—enjoy the ride. After all, isn’t adapting part of the expat adventure?

Have you made up your mind about small-town life yet? Perhaps before you do, read my other newsletters about our local challenges and joys. See you on the other side!

LOST IN LINGO

Must-Know Christmas Conversation Starters & Reactions

If you're spending Christmas in Portugal and want to do more than just nod and smile at your neighbor's jokes, this video is your festive survival guide. Packed with Portuguese phrases for holiday small talk, compliments, and even how to fake surprise at a gift, it’s like Duolingo but with tinsel. There’s also a heartwarming tale about a student who turned her Portuguese skills into village fame—because nothing says Christmas like being the expat everyone loves.

Sentence of the week ✏️

O que queres para o natal? 🎁 

Literal translation: The what - you want - for the Christmas?

Not kidding—that's really what the structure looks like with a direct translation. But hey, just roll with it! Keep practicing, and soon you'll be rolling out Portuguese phrases like a pro. Promise! 😉 

Now that you’re armed with the ultimate festive question—O que queres para o Natal?—don’t forget that Christmas isn’t just about the presents. Unless, of course, you’re the Christmas tree. Speaking of which, here’s how one tree coped with some serious gift-related misunderstandings...

Thanks for reading! 💌

Hustle on!

Angelique🧞‍♀️

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