Christmas in Veneto

In true Italian fashion, her great aunt—her Zia—was given the noble task of cooking dinner for a crowd of 20+ family members. We had the honor of rolling up our sleeves and helping her prepare a four-course feast. My personal highlight? Learning to make crespelle, which instantly became my new favorite dish. We cracked fresh walnuts, shredded mountains of formaggio, and swapped jokes in a mix of English and Italian. When our hard work was done, we toasted our efforts with a well-deserved caffè, because even cooking here feels like a sacred ritual.

On Christmas Day, the real magic happened. At 12:00 PM (because punctuality is important when food is involved), the feast began. Cousins, aunts, uncles, and family friends packed around the table, ready to indulge. Italian Christmas meals are a marathon, not a sprint—ours spanned four courses and over four hours. There was laughter, wine, and a rousing game of Bomba (Italy’s answer to Bingo). Unfortunately, I didn’t win a prize this go-round. And just when I thought I couldn't eat another bite, out came the panettone with a homemade cream that practically melted with each bite. By the end of the meal, I was so stuffed they had to roll me out to the car.

If I had to sum it up, my first Christmas in Italy was like being home. It was all about connecting with family and friends, sharing laughs, playing games, and indulging in the kind of meal that makes you forget how pants are supposed to fit.

Sydney: My first time experiencing Christmas in Italy was an unforgettable way to celebrate the season. My family came to visit, and we traveled through Northern Italy, exploring places like Bolzano and Cortina. While I missed the big family Christmas parties I’m used to back home, it was a unique experience to explore new traditions with my loved ones. One of the first highlights of the trip was the lighting of the Christmas tree in Paderno. It was such a fun moment to see the whole community gather together, eagerly anticipating the lights and celebrating the start of the holiday season.

Afterward, I had the chance to try panettone, a traditional Italian Christmas cake made with rich, fluffy dough and studded with candied fruit and raisins. It quickly became a favorite of mine, offering a delicious taste of Italian holiday traditions. We also spent time at the Christmas markets in Bolzano, which were another highlight.
The afternoons and evenings were filled with people gathering around wooden stalls, sipping mulled wine, and browsing the handcrafted goods. The festive atmosphere, with the glow of lights and the scent of roasting chestnuts, made it feel like the whole town was celebrating together. The sense of community and togetherness in these markets really made me appreciate the local way of celebrating, where the focus seemed to be on enjoying the simple pleasures of the season.

Elisa: In my family, Christmas is a celebration that spans over two special days: Christmas Eve, on December 24th, with my dad's side of the family, and Christmas Day, on December 25th, with my mom's side. The magic of this double celebration is enriched by the traditions that my paternal grandmother, who is Austrian, passed down to me since I was a child. Every year, with her, Christmas came to life through a mix of customs that tell the story of another land, filled with flavors, colors, and traditions.

Baking Christmas cookies, decorating the tree with ornaments that were always new and different, made by her, are just a few of the traditions she taught me that made every Christmas special. On Christmas Eve, with the scent of cookies filling the air, we gather under the tree. The lights are turned on, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere, and the magical moment of gift exchange begins. One by one, we get up, excited, to hand out our gifts, while everyone’s eyes shine with happiness and curiosity.

Once the gifts are opened, it's time to sit together at the table to enjoy Raclette. Each person prepares their plate with melted cheese, potatoes, cold cuts, and vegetables.

Christmas continues the next day, when we move to my maternal grandmother's house, surrounded by relatives. We are about twenty, as my mom has three sisters, and the warmth of family grows even stronger. Here, Italian traditions take over, with dishes that seem to tell stories of home and family. Everyone brings something to share: savory pies, pasticcio, roast meats, and an endless variety of delicacies. And, as in every Christmas, we end with the Yule log, panettone, and pandoro with zabaglione cream.

Every year, the magic of Christmas is like a thread that connects the traditions, creating a unique atmosphere that fills the heart.

This year, I also had the chance to soak in the Christmas spirit from the very beginning by participating in several Christmas markets. It was a truly special opportunity to showcase my creations and share my passion with others. In my spare time, I create modern crochet bags, and my small brand is called SOLIS, a name I chose because it reflects my personality. People often tell me that I am a sunny, energetic person, and I wanted my brand to mirror those qualities.

Participating in the markets gave me the chance to meet some truly special people. Every time I took part in one, I met kind and generous exhibitors who were eager to share their stories with me. These encounters inspired me to keep creating and taught me how important it is to take risks and believe in my passions and creations.

During the markets, I met many smiling faces, all in search of special gifts for their loved ones. Every time someone stopped to look at my bags, I realized it was a moment of joy for them, but also for me. It was truly special to know that someone found a "Solis" under the tree, and I’m happy to have been able to spread a little extra joy this holiday season.