The Portuguese Tile and the Christmas Bell Notitiekaartje

In a quaint Portuguese village, a church stood at the heart of the square, its walls adorned with intricate azulejo tiles depicting stories of faith and tradition. Among them was a panel featuring a Christmas bell, said to be enchanted. Legend claimed that if someone with a pure heart touched the tile on Christmas Eve, their sincerest wish would come true. One year, a young artisan named Maria, known for her skill in crafting Portuguese tiles, visited the church. Her family had fallen on hard times, and she wished for a way to bring them joy. On Christmas Eve, Maria laid her hand on the Christmas bell tile, her heart filled with hope. The next morning, Maria found her small workshop filled with commissions from villagers, who admired her dedication and talent. Word of her tiles spread, and soon her family’s life changed for the better. Maria, in gratitude, created a new azulejo panel for the church—a vibrant scene of the Christmas bell ringing over the village, reminding everyone of the power of faith, love, and community.