La Befana Italiansrus.com
This holiday marks the end of the Christmas season and it is one of Italy's oldest and most celebrated legends.

Christmas Eve Dinner Italiansrus.com
Join me as I uncover the significance behind the number of fish dishes prepared for dinner.

Christmas in Italy Our Paesani - Italiansrus.com
I cried for days the first time I went to Italy for Christmas. I was 11, and we had to convince my little sister Rosaria that Santa Claus would be able to find us in Ischia, a small island off the coast of Naples. There were no lights on the houses, and we were the only ones on the block with a Christmas tree. It all seemed so tragic. Italians might not go all out with the decorations, but the holiday spirit is alive and well in the Motherland.

Find Faith in Italian Nativity Scenes Our Paesani - Italiansrus.com
Clearly, I need something to believe in, and I'm missing the holiday season in Italy, which is as much a celebration of hope as it is Jesus' birthday. And just what is the ultimate symbol of Italy's bright-eyed optimism at this time of year? The presepio or nativity scene. Others have their Christmas trees, but nothing compares to the masterpiece crèches for which Italians are famous.

Have an Italian Christmas Our Paesani - Italiansrus.com
Christmas has arrived. But it's not too late to make your Christmas an Italian one. Here are some last-minute tips for doing just that.

I'm a Believer! Stories of the Italian Christmas Witch Our Paesani - Italiansrus.com
Italy is such a magical place for children that they receive gifts from not one but two mythical figures during the holiday season. You see in Italy, the holiday season really lasts through Jan. 6, or the Epiphany, and on that day La Befana, known to some as the Christmas witch, brings goodies to all of Italy's children.

The Italian Ceppo Italiansrus.com
The ceppo is a yule log burned in the fireplace or a pyramid shaped structure made of wood and often called the tree of light. Just what is the significance behind this Italian tradition?

Il Presepe Italiansrus.com
One of the most incredible scenes in Italy during Christmas time is the beautiful nativity scenes that are on display in every town.

Arriva Babbo Natale
Write a note to Santa, read what others have written, play games, listen to a variety of Christmas songs and more.

Arriva Natale
Do a search for Natale and you will get a list of classic Christmas poems in Italian. Some titles include: Christmas Is Coming!, Santa's Reindeer, Dear Santa and A Visit to Grandma's.

Babbo Natale
Read the story of Christmas, write Santa a letter and more.

La Befana
You can read the poem of the Befana, write her a note and more.

Christmas Eve Fish Dinner
This Sicilian tradition includes seven different fishes for dinner.

I dolci di Natale
Get recipes for 5 classic Italian Christmas sweets.

Feast of the Seven Fishes
This book is both a graphic novel & romantic comedy featuring an Italian-American family celebrating Christmas Eve as well as an accompanying cookbook section.

Grande Babbo Natale
Get the latest news on Santa, listen to Christmas songs, write a letter and more.

The Legend of La Befana
Purchase a DVD or VHS tape of this timeless Italian tale. It also includes a booklet in both English and Italian.

Natale
This is a great site for children who want to learn about the meaning of Christmas. You will learn about La Befana, the presepio, Babbo Natale, the Christmas tree, the Advent calendar and more.

Natale: Christmas tradition in Italy
Maria Lamkin writes about some of the typical traditions that take place during this holiday.

Traditional Christmas Cakes and Sweets
Find out about the various cakes and sweets made in different parts of Italy.

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