by Maria Matson
Italian Christmas celebrations start on December 8 with the L’Immacolata Concezione, or the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and last until January 6. One of the most important ways of celebrating Christmas in Italy is the presepe, Nativity scene, or crèche. It is put out on December 8, but baby Jesus isn’t put into the crib until the night of December 24! On Christmas Eve, Italian children write to their parents to let them know how much they love them. The father reads the letters at the end of the meal. Father Christmas, or Babbo Natale, may also receive a letter from Italian children asking for presents on la vigilia di Natale, or Christmas Eve. Midnight Mass is a tradition in Italy. Hot chocolate and a slice of Panettone are served at home after Mass. The main day for gift giving is Epiphany on January 6. Legend has it that presents are brought by La Befana, a kindly old witch who fills good children’s stockings with sweets, il dolci, in the night. If they have been bad children, a lump of coal, or il carbone, will be left in their stockings.
