With my mother growing up in an Italian household, and myself having a close relationship with my nonna in my younger years, I was always told stories of La Befana who would bring sweets to the good children and coal to the naughty ones at christmas time. This nostalgic childhood memory made me increasingly excited for an Italian christmas, especially upon arriving in Sicily and getting a taste of the culture (and importantly the food, oh the food).
Sicilian weather is quite mild at this time of year, especially in comparison to the subzero temperatures I'd encountered just days prior in Spain. In search of the feeling of a 'white christmas', we took a day trip part way up Mount Etna where I was able to see the snow, and we saw some absolutely gorgeous Saint Bernard puppies! My first authentic Italian christmas was nothing short of delicious, and the celebration steadily continued well into the new year.
We celebrated the coming of the new year in true European style, having a family celebration that lasted into the early hours before finally heading out to party once the new year was already upon us. We were simultaneously celebrating the 91st birthday of my mothers aunt, who comically received an oversized mobile phone as a birthday present, and when her son called the phone to test it she insisted he shut up so she would be able to hear the person on the other end of the phone (she was completely oblivious to the root of our laughter!) At around 2 or 3am on the morning of the 1st of January we made our way to the real new years party, which was scenically set beside La Isola Bella. Dancing, drinks and good times ensued, and we later found ourselves by the beach watching the sun rise, which was a beautiful way to bring in the new year. My remaining few days in Sicily were filled with food and family, and without a doubt that christmas and new years was one of the most memorable to date.
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| The snow up Mount Etna |
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| The cousins |
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| Family |
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| Pilú getting into the Christmas spirit |
-Melissa
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