A special interview with Miss Macau 1993, Isabela Madeira da Silva Pedruco, who comes from one of the city’s prominent Macanese families. She shares about what Christmas is like in her community and in her own family, and how the 49-year-old Pilates and Zumba teacher grew up celebrating the Nativity of Jesus, together with her three sisters
What do you remember about Christmas while growing up in a Macanese family?
Christmas season was one of my favourite seasons of the year. I still remember growing up decorating our house during Christmas. A Christmas tree was always a must at home during the season. On 24 December afternoon we always had to take a nap because after dinner on Christmas Eve, we used to go to Missa de Galo [midnight mass] at D. Bosco Chapel, wearing our new Christmas clothes from our parents. After the mass, all of us, including uncles, aunties and cousins, would go to our grandparents’ place to have supper and exchange Christmas gifts, staying until very late. We often stayed overnight at our grandparents’ place. On Christmas Day, we had family lunch, then we would visit our parents’ relatives, who always prepared very good traditional food and dessert.
What is your Christmas like with your sisters nowadays?
We’re four sisters and all four families gather at my place on 24 December for Christmas dinner and gift exchange, staying up until late. And we haven’t broken this tradition even during the past three years since the pandemic began.
What do your children usually like to do for Christmas?
Decorating the house, putting up a Christmas tree and, of course, seeing Santa Claus [her husband] coming to our place and leaving some presents for them. My husband insists on always having this tradition because it is the most memorable and happiest thing for children during Christmas.
What food do your children and husband like having during Christmas?
Every year, we would order traditional home-made Macanese food, such as alua, genetes, empada, ladu and bolo menino.
What is Christmas usually like in a Macanese community?
Macanese families usually have their own family Christmas parties at home and go to midnight mass and exchange gifts. Throughout the season, they would go for Christmas shopping and visit relatives.
Why is Christmas so festive for Macanese families?
Because most of us are Catholic, and that’s why it’s a must to go to a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. As for the parties, [Christmas] is a very good excuse to gather with family.
Can you tell us 5 must-do things among Macanese families during Christmas?
Christmas shopping, decorating our home, sending Christmas e-mails and text messages, or cards when I was a child, going to midnight mass, as well as Christmas dinner and supper.
Can you tell us 5 must-have food among Macanese families during Christmas?
Turkey, chicken congee, as well as these three Macanese dishes – tacho, alua and ladu.
What is your personal definition of Christmas?
As a kid, it was a day of many presents, food, wine, full house at my grandparents’ place, and now it is the time for everybody to get together, time to hope for good health for everyone, time for best wishes. Also now, Christmas is a day of many presents but not for me, because it’s me buying Christmas presents for the kids now.
What would your best wishes be this Christmas?
Always look forward, never give up, think positive. No matter what happened, there’s always a solution. Now is a very difficult time for all of us, but I believe, with more positive energy, we can go through everything. The next day is another day, and another day is a good day. Always look at the bright side. I wish everyone a Christmas full of love and good health!
* Wikipedia defines Macanese people as an East Asian ethnic group originating in the 16th century Macau, consisting of predominantly mixed Chinese, Portuguese, and other Asian ancestries.
Photos courtesy of Isabela Pedruco
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