"Buono Natale!"

Christmas began in Italy. Sometime during the fourth century A. D., the Roman Emperor Constantine I, who had converted to Christianity, decreed that every year on the twenty-fifth day of December the birth of Christ would be commemorated throughout his vast realm. From that time to this, December 25 has marked the holiest of days for Christians around the world .

In Italy, Christmas is such a joyous and solemn time of year that an entire month is set aside to celebrate it! From early December until January 6, Italians, young and old, enjoy a number of festivals that proclaim the importance of the season. Beginning on December 6th, Italians observe the Feast of St. Nicholas. A bishop who lived during the fourth century, St. Nicholas is considered the first "Santa Claus." He was especially renowned for the great acts of charity and generosity that he performed for the poor. On the Feast of St. Nicholas, Italian children look forward to finding their shoes filled with the gifts and treats the saint has left for them.

On December 13th, children eagerly await the arrival of St. Lucia, again by placing their shoes outside the doors of their homes. This popular saint wore a beautiful blue cloak sprinkled with stars as she traveled across Italy with her little donkey. The donkey was supposed to be laden with gifts of all kinds, which, like St. Nicholas, St. Lucia placed in the shoes of those children who had been good. The children, though, must not forget to take care of the donkey. They are supposed to leave food and drink beside their shoes for the donkey to refresh himself as he continues on his long journey.

Santa Claus is a fairly recent arrival in Italy. Not until American troops were stationed there during the Second World War did "Santa Claus," or "Babbo Natale" ("Father Christmas"), visit Italian children. It was during this time, too, that decorated Christmas trees, like those found in American homes, became more popular in Italy.

Instead of Santa Claus, depictions of the Holy Family in the manger have traditionally been the focal point of the Italian Christmas. These manger, or nativity, scenes, known in Italy as "presepi," range from simple homemade displays to those crafted from the finest materials and including hundreds of figures and dozens of different episodes associated with the birth of Christ! Italians deeply cherish the Christ Child, and in many churches the faithful place gifts in the presepio to offer their thanks for the blessings He has bestowed upon them.

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