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 Portugal

• Visiting Vigo, Spain for one of Europe’s biggest Christmas light displays

• Portuguese vs. American holiday traditions

• Christmas baking (and stress baking) abroad

• Sharing American treats with Portuguese students

• Bread, cheese, mulled wine, and holiday food favorites

• A new idea: mixing whiskey tastings with tax talk

• Dream travel plans for 2026 (London, Barcelona, Denmark & more)

• Why this season is all about finally doing the things you keep talking about

00:00 – Welcome to As the Dinesens Turn
00:20 – Christmas time in Portugal
01:30 – Christmas markets & holiday vibes
01:49 – Trip to Vigo, Spain
03:36 – Mulled wine, bread & cheese
04:28 – Christmas baking traditions
06:01 – Whiskey discoveries in Portugal
06:25 – “Jason on the Rocks” podcast idea
08:55 – Making 2026 a year of experiences
10:07 – Travel dreams & future plans
12:28 – Wrap-up

As 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: