This is how Italians celebrate the festival of love

Traditionally, the Christmas season in Italy begins on December 8th with the “Festa dell'immacolata concezione” (Mary's Conception). Then in Tuscany, nativity scenes are set up in most houses and apartments and the Christmas trees are festively decorated. On this day the season of Christmas markets also begins and in many towns and villages a “Presepe Vivente” (living nativity scene) is performed, in which the birth of Jesus is re-enacted by actors in traditional Jewish costumes. The markets smell of Vin Brulé (mulled wine) and “Caldarroste” (roasted chestnuts) and the children have the opportunity to write letters to Babbo Natale, Santa Claus. 

On Christmas Eve we go to mass

When “Vigilia di Natale”, Christmas Eve, comes, most Tuscan families have a meatless dinner with plenty of pasta. Then comes “Santa Claus“. In many Tuscan villages, volunteers dress up as Santa Claus and go from house to house bringing presents to children. 

After giving presents, attending Christmas Eve mass has a long tradition in most families. Eating together plays an important role at Christmas in Tuscany. And so the first (“Pranzo di natale”) and the second day of Christmas (“Pranzo di Santo Stefano”) are all about family. In the festively decorated houses, Christmas dinner is served, which consists of several courses and can last until the afternoon.

By the way: In other regions of Italy, Santa Claus is called “Papa natale”. He comes at night, so the presents don't take place until the morning of Christmas Day.

The “Befana” comes on January 6th

In Italy, New Year's Eve is called "Veglione di Capodanno" and New Year's Day is called "Pranzo del primo dell'anno". But Christmas in Tuscany is far from over. For children, January 6th is the last highlight of the Christmas season. Because on the night of the “Day of the Three Kings”, the good witch Befana, a female alter-ego of St. Nicholas, rushes through the chimneys and leaves small presents in shoes or stockings (Calza della Befana) for the children. According to tradition, Befana is said to have missed the Star of Bethlehem and the child in the manger and has been wandering the world ever since in search of the baby Jesus. 

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year with Italian recipe!

But no matter whether you celebrate Christmas in Tuscany, in Germany or anywhere else in the world - we at the Toscana Forum wish you a Merry Christmas and a successful start to 2020. If you feel like a little Tuscan flair, give it a try but once with

Ricciarelli, Italian almond cookies:

You take:
– 350 g almonds
– 450 g powdered sugar
- 1 vanilla pods
– 2 egg whites 

Preparation:
Scald the almonds with boiling water, let them soak for ten minutes, then rinse and peel off the skin. 

Crush in portions with the same amount of powdered sugar in an electric chopper. Finally, mix in 100 grams of powdered sugar and the vanilla pulp by hand.

Knead the beaten egg white into the almond mixture. Form rolls from the marzipan-like mass and cut into centimeter-thick slices. Flatten slightly on a work surface dusted with flour and make grooves with a fork. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper and let dry overnight.

Then let it dry for 75 minutes at around 20 degrees Celsius. Dust the finished Ricciarelli with powdered sugar and store in a tin can.