Episode 47: Christmas 2025

In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, Jason and Tracy talk about what Christmas season is really like in Portugal — from festive lights and roasted chestnuts to Christmas markets, baking traditions, and big travel dreams for the future.They share what makes the holidays feel special abroad, how Portuguese Christmas culture compares to back home, and why this season has sparked a renewed commitment to saying “yes” to the things they’ve always wanted to do.Along the way, the conversation takes a fun turn into Christmas baking for Portuguese students, bread-and-cheese obsessions, Spanish Christmas markets, whiskey discoveries, and the early seeds of a possible new podcast idea: Jason on the Rocks 🥃Christmas lights, markets, and the smell of roasted chestnuts in PortugalVisiting Vigo, Spain for one of Europe’s biggest Christmas light displaysPortuguese vs. American holiday traditionsChristmas baking (and stress baking) abroadSharing American treats with Portuguese studentsBread, cheese, mulled wine, and holiday food favoritesA new idea: mixing whiskey tastings with tax talkDream travel plans for 2026 (London, Barcelona, Denmark & more)Why this season is all about finally doing the things you keep talking about00:00 – Welcome to As the Dinesens Turn00:20 – Christmas time in Portugal01:30 – Christmas markets & holiday vibes01:49 – Trip to Vigo, Spain03:36 – Mulled wine, bread & cheese04:28 – Christmas baking traditions06:01 – Whiskey discoveries in Portugal06:25 – “Jason on the Rocks” podcast idea08:55 – Making 2026 a year of experiences10:07 – Travel dreams & future plans12:28 – Wrap-upAs the Dinesens Turn chronicles the adventures of a family from Iowa who decided to pack up their lives and move to Portugal — sharing the joys, challenges, culture shock, and everyday moments along the way🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:📌 About the Podcast: