Christmas is a holiday that is celebrated around the world, and Italy knows how to truly make a magical time. Luckily, you don’t have to travel to another country to experience Italian Christmas traditions. You can actually participate in them in your own home! From delicious Italian food to unique nativity scenes, there’s something special for everyone.
Il Presepe: An Italian Nativity Scene
Nativity scenes are a classic tradition during the holidays. In Italy, families begin preparing their own scenes, known as Il Presepe, on December 8th. While the main premise of the nativity is the same, there are some unique differences that you’ll find interesting. For example, an Italian favorite includes Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and the wise men, but scenes also include an external representation of Bethlehem. Additionally, the manger stays unfulfilled until Christmas Eve when Baby Jesus steps in. Families take great strides to create extremely detailed nativity scenes. Many citizens go so far as to have additional figures crafted to be included into their displays. Displays bring families together as they spend days preparing their own versions. You and your family can easily take this meaningful story and craft your own scene.
Struffoli and Panettone
Many delicious foods stem from Italy’s rich culture, and Christmas treats are even more special. For example, many families concoct struffoli which are small, deep-fried dough balls. To enhance their taste, the best tupelo honey is often drizzled over the top. Picking the right honey is important since nectar needs to be collected from over one million blossoms to make a single pound of honey. Cheaper “honey” is often mixed with corn syrup, which can affect the taste. You can create your own struffoli with items such as flour, eggs, sugar, and baking powder. For another tasty treat, you can also whip up some panettone. This Italian classic sweet bread is often served alongside coffee for an indulgent breakfast. Of course, it can also be served as a dessert after a large Christmas dinner. Regardless of the dish you choose to make, you can experience a taste of Italy in your own home.
La Bella Figura
It’s no question that Italians go all out for Christmas. In fact, many cities practice their own version of “bella figura,” which can involve Christmas lights. Bella figura is a concept of appearance. Focusing on the beauty and presentation, families and businesses adorn their exterior with strategically placed lighting and decorations. People love to head out to see the sights, and you could do the same. Gather up your friends and loved ones, grab some warm cider, and walk through towns to soak in the beautiful displays. Additionally, you could bring the philosophy into your own home with carefully decorated table settings and trimmed Christmas trees.
Italy thrives on love, food, and tradition. Christmas is a time of year that these principles can thrive beautifully. Though traveling to Italy for Christmas might not be possible for you this season, you can recreate your own Italian Christmas traditions at home.
Click here for my chocolate panettone recipe for your Italian Christmas celebration!
Did you hear my interview on the Christmas Edition of Dining on a Dime radio show, if not you can listen here https://dining-on-a-dime.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-57-holiday-food-show
For more Holiday recipes get your copy of the Gourmand World Award Winning book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking:Holidays and Special Occasions -2nd edition
