Christmas is only a month away and there is only one question to be asked… Are you ready for the biggest abbuffata – aka food binge – of the year??
Everybody knows that a true Italian Christmas includes mountains of food. Usually it is consumed over a period of two days: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
According to a religious tradition no meat must be consumed on Christmas Eve. It is a symbolic sign of respect to Jesus on the day of his birth.
So usually people tend to prepare a “lighter” dinner meal. Of course lighter here is only just an euphemism.?
There is no way to escape a full dinner with starters, first and second course, dessert, coffee and liquours to finish it off!
And by the time all the food has been eaten, everyone has only one thing in mind… the opening of the presents!!
The debate on this topic is still unresolved: do you open your xmas gifts on the 24th or on the 25th? Some people prefer to open them at midnight on Christmas Eve, some other prefer to wait until the morning after, maybe over breakfast. Opening presents on Christmas Day is a tradition especially for those who have kids.
They believe Babbo Natale (for you Santa Clause) comes for its annual visit overnight, when they are asleep.
The figure of Babbo Natale is a very dear one not only to kids but to many adults too. It reminds everyone of their childhood and the excitement of waiting for him to arrive and believing in his existence.
In every Italian household, the night before Christmas you will probably find a plate with biscuits, a glass of milk or wine, some walnuts and maybe a slice of bread, usually near the fire place or on the table in the kitchen. Why is that you ask? With all the travelling that Santa has to do in just one night, him and his reindeers will need food to carry on their journey!
And you? What is your favourite Christmas tradition? Keep following our blog to find out more about Christmas traditions in Italy.
Since we are talking about plans and traditions…what is your plan for Christmas?
SPEND THE FESTIVITIES WITH US!!
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Xmas booking being taken now, get in touch for more info about Christmas at Antico by calling us or by email at marketing@anticorestaurant