Living in Italy and Celebrating Christmas

Examining the delights of the holiday season in Italy for would-be expats

From Rome and the Vatican to Milan, Venice and the Calabria region, the Christmas holidays are quite an exciting time for expatriates living in Italy.  The country’s strong Roman Catholic roots make this particular holiday stand out for its beauty, pageantry and even solemnity.  Living in Italy and enjoying Christmas will introduce expats, retirees and even some holidaymakers to a few exciting traditions that they might not be used to.

In this article we’ll explore how the Italians celebrate the holidays.  Most Christians will find the celebration isn’t all that different from what they are used to, but there are certain distinctions that make living in Italy and celebrating Christmas so very special.

When it comes to the giving of presents the Italians do like to do this right.  Many expats will find their Italian friends open their presents on Christmas morning or early afternoon.  Not all do however, some wait until the Epiphany on January 6 to partake in present exchanges.  Children in Italy do receive stockings full of sweet treats if they’ve been good. They can expect coal or ‘il carbone’ black sugar candy if they haven’t been good!

Whilst many Italians have now incorporated Santa Claus into their holiday traditions, this is not always the case.  In many areas children believe La Befana, a kind witch, delivers them presents and sweets on Christmas Eve.  She is said to have been part of the original group travelling with the three wise men but got lost and now hands outs presents to youngsters each year at Christmas.  In some parts of Italy, La Befana is replaced by Santa Lucia or even the baby Jesus himself as the gift bringer.

Now, if you intend to live in Italy and visit Rome and the Vatican at Christmas, you’re going to be in for some very special treats.  As many can well imagine, this particular region is alive with holiday activity.  Some of the sights and experiences expats try to take in include: -

The Colosseum.  It is traditional for a giant Christmas tree to light up the night sky near the Colosseum.  The combination of the two ‘landmarks’ make for some incredible still photographs.

Papal Mass.  The Papal Midnight Mass in Vatican City is a tradition that many endeavor to experience.  During this mass, the story of the first Christmas is retold.

Christmas music.  Expats living in Italy and holidaymakers alike often try to take in one of the many performances of the Pontifical Musical Chorus of the Sistine Chapel during the holiday season.  Performances are spread out throughout the holidays, providing several opportunities to experience the splendour of this most historic chapel and this world-renowned chorus.

Living in Italy and enjoying the holidays should provide an experience like none other.  From small town celebrations in the countryside to the pomp and circumstance of the Vatican itself, this particular holiday is one that Italians celebrate in grand style.