Christmas in Italy

A lot of people have asked me over the past couple weeks how Italians celebrate the holidays. After my second Christmas here, the answer can be summed up in one word: eating. In fact, figures show that due to the crisis in Italy, most families cut back on money spent on presents, but there was no change in food bought for the holiday season. So yeah, you think you got fat over Christmas break..

But really, it’s not that much different than in the US. I mean, each family has their own traditions here and there, so there are differences for sure, but essentially, the family gathers to talk and eat. The biggest difference I see here is that presents are not nearly such a big deal. Maybe that’s just because I’m not with small kids (besides Alessandro, who doesn’t quite get into presents yet). But in general, it seems like people don’t spend nearly as much on presents, and it’s kind of a secondary thing to everything else. In the Powers household, we have to be awake no later than 7 AM because that’s the longest little Chloe will wait to open presents. Paolo’s 6 year old twin cousins had to wait until after dinner to open anything. And here, waiting until after dinner can mean waiting hours.


So what did we eat on Christmas? Well, the menu was quite elaborate, and all cooked by Paolo’s mom and sister. Here’s the menu as I can remember it.

Antipasto- olives, Russian salad, Torta Salata, crostini
Crepes baked with pumpkin and porcini mushrooms inside
Tortellini in Brodo- basically a broth soup with tortellini
Radicchio lasagna
Roast with potatoes, zucchini, and beans
Christmas cookies
Pineapple
Pannettone with Prosecco

I missed stuffing and sweet potato casserole, but really? It was delicious; I can’t complain. Paolo’s mom’s whole family came, and met Alessandro also, and everyone was really nice. Ale basically got passed from aunt to aunt all day, so he had a good day. Usually Christmas here also involves going to Christmas mass, but since Ale was only three weeks old, I didn’t really want to get him out (we need a healthy baby to come back home).

To me, it doesn’t feel as Christmas-y here. I mean, the towns are decorated beautifully, there’s Christmas stuff everywhere in stores (not until December though!), but I miss my family and our traditions. Next year, I’m going to be in the US for Christmas; Paolo promised me that he would do a Christmas in Dixie.

New Year’s Eve here was remarkably similar to my family’s New Year’s Eve. A nice meal, followed by a TV countdown, games, and some little fireworks. Very low-key. I’m really too old now for parties and things like this, so low-key works for me. Somehow, having a baby makes me feel so old. Although last week, when Paolo and I were strolling Ale around the town, a man asked him if I was 15! 15!!! I’m not really at the point in life yet where I want to look younger and 15 offends me a bit, as most 15 year olds look ridiculous (no offense to 15 year olds, but I’ve been there). He was shocked that a 15 year old would have a baby.. yeah, I know 22 is still too young here for a baby, but it’s better than 15. Ridiculous.

Anyways, one more week til I start my journey home! This is also the week I get lots of alone time with Alessandro, as Paolo had to return to Pavia to take exams, and his parents returned to work. So far, so good, but it’s the first day. He was fussy all weekend, and refused to sleep, but last night he finally exhausted himself and slept, and has been quite pleasant since. He even smiled this morning, and I think it was for real! Hopefully the good mood will continue for his poor, tired mother’s sake. Little one is stirring, so my time is up!

Ciao for now,

Kathleen