Christmas Presents – Regali di Natale
Most Italians open their presents on Christmas Day morning or after lunch, although some wait until Epiphany, l’epifania, on January 6th. It’s traditional for children to receive a stocking, la calza, colourful, long socks full of sweets, i dolci, if they’ve been good, but they’re filled with coal, il carbone, which is made of black sugar, if they’ve been bad.
Traditionally, it’s not Santa Claus but the kind witch, La Befana, who brings the gifts and sweets. It’s thought she followed the wise men but got lost and has been wandering ever since, handing out presents to children at Christmas.
In Venice and Mantova, it’s Santa Lucia who brings the presents, while in some regions it’s Baby Jesus, Gesu’ Bambino, who bears the gifts. But nowadays, 90% of Italians also believe in Santa Claus or Father Christmas, Babbo Natale.
Buon Natale a tutti!
It’s not surprising Italian quotes are food based.
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