Christmas in Italy...What will you be doing this Christmas?

Thu, 27 Aug 09

In Italy Christmas is known as "Natale," literally meaning "birthday" celebrating of the birth of Christ and "Unconquered Sun".

Italians really know how to celebrate Christmas. Like everything, they are especially passionate about their festivities. So passionate in fact, they begin religious celebrations in early December when their holiday season starts and right up until early January. Italy's holiday period represents eight special holidays to be celebrated.

The main celebration takes place on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas day and in contrast to western society there is far less commercialisation of Christmas. For example, children do not write lists to Santa Clause. Instead, children write letters of love to parents, placing them under their father's dinner plate to be opened after the large Christmas Eve feast.

Similar to our tradition of Santa Clause the Italians celebrate one of the best known old legends of Italy, a mystical figure called La Befana a kindly old witch who brings children toys on the last day of their celebrations in January on the feast of the Epiphany.

Christmas in Italy is celebrated by singing carols and traditional Italian Christmas foods plays an integral part of Christmas celebrations in Italy, dishes such as tortellini, vermicelli, panforte, and pandolce. Christmas tapers are lighted in every household and special prayers are offered. The Italian Christmas tradition represents the true meaning of the rich Italian culture.

What will you be doing this Christmas?

It seems the Italians have full Calender of events to follow each year for their holiday season. The widespread celebrations over the two months shows their passion and dedication to their beliefs.

Australian's also have simple traditions that are carried out each year. Normally this would be Christmas parties and plenty of food with the family! Some of us choose to use our Christmas spirit a little more than others and get creative with our time. Read on for some ideas that might encourage you to get more productive this year.

• Make your Christmas Cards - Why not make your own. This is like a gift in itself and is so much more special when it's made with love. Buy some nice coloured cardboard and stick small decorative pieces on it. Even something as simple, a small part of a pine tree leaf (Christmas tree) would work nicely.

• Enter a light display competition - Go all out and make your home a light fantastic display for others to admire. It is becoming more common nowadays in Australia and you can even win a competition.

• Donate to charity - Make a difference this Christmas and help contribute to a good cause. These charities would like a gift this Christmas just as much as we do.

• Do some volunteer work - If you really want to put a smile on someone's face, why not put a few hours aside around Christmas and do some volunteer work. You can help spread the Christmas spirit to those less fortunate.

• Go outdoors - Venture outside rather than staying indoors. Get your family together and head to the beach, go fishing, have a picnic or even go camping this Christmas. Make the most our summertime Christmas!

• Don't forget about others in your life - For some of us Christmas can be a sad and lonely time. Some don't really have family around to spend their Christmas with. If you know someone like this why not invite them to your family gathering on Christmas day.

It's nice to sometimes do something a little different at Christmas, or to even just do more than you normally would. What will you be doing this Christmas?