It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in Italy! So how do locals prepare and decorate for the holidays? Here are the items you’ll find in every Italian home.
An albero di Natale, or Christmas tree, is the most “obligatory” decoration. It’s usually prepared on December 8 (the Immaculate Conception national holiday), and dismantled on January 6 (the Epiphany). Of course, these are flexible schedules since we’re in Italy! 😉 It’s common for Italians to use a fake tree made of plastic or PVC, while cities often display a real, beautiful, and ornately-decorated tree in the central square. Head to the Vatican to see the most impressive one!
The crib, or presepe, is another typical feature of the season. The dark blue paper with the starry night, the big wooden star of Bethlehem, and the fake snow made with sodium bicarbonate are ingredients of a true Italian presepe, together with the figures of the Nativity scene. The crib is a real artform: historic shops in via Gregorio Armeno in Naples design them over the course of an entire year, and during the Christmas season there are also several presepe exhibitions all over Italy. In many towns you can also witness “living” Nativity scenes, with real people portraying the characters; this is how it was originally intended when Saint Francis of Assisi created it in the XIII century.
When families reunite for Christmas they generally spend their time eating, talking, and playing games, so there always has to be a mazzo di carte (deck of cards) at home. The games are usually very simple, so that the whole family can play: the most popular is “sette e mezzo“, a kind of Italian black jack where you have to score seven and a half instead of 21.
Another game, enjoyed by children and grandparents alike, is bingo! Stashed away in every house is probably an old and beaten up bingo card that doesn’t even have all 90 numbers, but it’s useful at least once a year during the holidays! The game itself might not be too exciting, but the way the host calls out numbers makes for a great time.
Lastly, we need a Christmas tovaglia, or tablecloth, for a proper lunch or dinner. Another seasonal staple, this festive tablecloth is typically decorated in red and white and adorned with a centerpiece and candle. The best dishes and cutlery are brought out for this special occasion! A light fish dish will be served on Christmas Eve, and a more substantial lunch the following day. We can’t forget about the unmissable holiday cakes (Panettone and Pandoro) that will be enjoyed as families gather around the table.
Do you share in any of these traditions? Which is your favorite?
