Feliz Natal!
standard, Brazil
In Brazil you say Feliz Natal! for Merry Christmas. Boas festas! means "happy holidays" and covers Christmas and New Year. It is also called Feliz Natal e um próspero Ano Novo.
Meaning: Christmas greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Feliz Natal! | standard, Brazil |
| Boas festas! | seasonal |
| Feliz Natal e um próspero Ano Novo | card wording |
Brazilians say Feliz Natal e um próspero Ano Novo on cards and messages. The family dinner on the night of 24 December, with the midnight toast, is the main moment.
Which one should you use?
Feliz Natal is for Christmas alone, while Boas festas works from mid-December through early January.
When do people say it?
Christmas falls in summer in Brazil, and Santa Claus is called Papai Noel. The main family meal is usually on the night of 24 December.
Did you know?
- Brazilians call Santa Claus Papai Noel, which is built from papai, "daddy", and Noel, the French word for Christmas.
Examples in context
- Feliz Natal para toda a família!Merry Christmas to the whole family!
- Boas festas e um ótimo ano novo!Happy holidays and a great new year!
- Feliz Natal, vovó. Eu te amo.Merry Christmas, grandma. I love you.
Example conversation
At the family dinner on Christmas Eve in Campo Grande, Tio Jorge raises a glass with his niece Lia.
- Tio JorgeFeliz Natal, Lia!Merry Christmas, Lia!
- LiaFeliz Natal, tio! Boas festas!Merry Christmas, uncle! Happy holidays!
- Tio JorgeQue venha um ótimo ano novo!May a great new year come!
