Christmas in Italy Buon Natale!

The Nativity Scene The tradition that Italy is known most for is for their “crib” making, or nativity scenes. They have entire streets full of people who make them and make the characters to sell to other families. Every family has one on display during the holidays. Some are small and just fit on a table, but some can take up a whole yard! They do this to honor and remember the baby Jesus and His birth.

Caroling One old Italian custom is that children go out Carol singing and playing songs on shepherds pipes, wearing shepherds sandals and hats. They sing a lot of the same songs we sing in America, like “Silent Night” and “Away in a Manger”.

Christmas Eve On Christmas Eve, no one eats ALL DAY until they go to Midnight Mass, or their church celebration late on Christmas Eve night. Once they are done with church, they go and have a big feast with their family and friends.

Epiphany Night Epiphany is the celebration of the wise men reaching the manger after Jesus was born. On Epiphany night (January 6), children believe that an old lady called 'Befana' brings presents for them. The story about Befana bringing presents is very similar to the story of Babouska told in Russia. Children put stockings up by the fireplace for Befana to fill. On Christmas day 'Babbo Natale' (Santa Claus) might bring them some small gifts, but the main day for present giving is on Epiphany.

Some Italian, Christmas Words Santa Claus- Babbo Natale Merry Christmas- Buon Natale Stocking- Calza Christmas tree- albero di Natale Ornament- Ornamento