Italians are trying to honour Christmas traditions, but also to leave behind stresses and difficulties. Thirteen million citizens, on these days went on holiday, with an increase of 14% compared to last year. 87% remain within national borders while, according to Ixè-Coldiretti research, those who chose to «escape» from the cities will spend, on average, 575 euros. It is clear that - even if the problems are not lacking - there is a desire to return to a climate of relaxation, to the reality of the pre-Coronovian era.
In beautiful Naples, in those last hours before the birth of Jesus, original but also interesting gifts. Each Neapolitan will spend 190 euros, whereas last year the equivalent amount was 240 euros. These are the consequences of the energy and economic crisis which, however, has not been able to erase the need for human contact, as well as the pleasure of exchanging even a symbolic gift. What are Italians buying this year? Mostly clothes, books, toys and culinary products.
It is well known that the cuisine of our neighbouring country is one of the richest and most delicious in the world. Among the most delicious Christmas dishes, we can recall the pasta with black cabbage cream, sardines and fried bread, pork bites served in an orange bowl, and the traditional Roman stratziatella: meat broth with egg lemon, parmesan and grated lemon peel.
The Italian Christmas table, of course, is not lacking in tortellini with broth, cannelloni, and beef ribs and artichokes.
Anyone who finds themselves in Rome or any other Italian city during these days should not forget, of course, to visit the almost countless mangeries of the various churches. The most famous, of course, is in St. Peter's Square, where Pope Francis will bless the faithful tomorrow morning with his message «urbi et orbi», «to the city and the world». This year, in fact, under the colonnades of the square, one hundred and thirty nativity scenes from almost all the countries of the world are on display.
From the largest to the smallest parish, they all have their own representation of the birth of the God-Man. Because the real tradition in Italy, especially in the South, is that of the «prezepe», the manger, and not the more northern, Christmas tree. It is enough to recall the excellent work by Edoardo de Filippo, «Christmas in the Cuppello House».
Finally, this year's Italian Christmas, according to the weather forecast, will be warm and sunny, with temperatures of up to 25 degrees. After the family gatherings and the almost endless lunch tomorrow, Italians will have the opportunity to take a pleasant stroll around their cities and the various resorts. The only ones who are already expressing disappointment are the skiing enthusiasts, who are seeing the snow diminishing all the time. Those who prefer the open spaces and walking, however, will also enjoy a delicious, handmade ice cream. Because this unusual, «spring Christmas» allows Italians to keep the flu and the coronavirus at bay and prepare to welcome the New Year with a much-needed dose of optimism.
