Many Portuguese Americans celebrate Christmas with an emphasis on the nativity, and as a time to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ.“Christmas is a feast where we celebrate the reincarnation of God becoming one of us through his son,” said Father Manuel of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Parish in Turlock.Christmas Eve is spent gathered around a Christmas tree and the Crèche. The Crèche is Portuguese for the Nativity Scene, which is a depiction of the birth of Jesus, and includes traditional figures like the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the three wise men bearing gifts, a shepherd, and barnyard animals. The scene can be constructed out of paintings, figurines, or even live pantomimes.