Christmas in Italy is important: every family has its traditions handed down from generation to generation. Among the Christmas tree, adorned with colored lights and decorative balls; the Cristmas nativity scene, representing the birth of Jesus; the traditional midnight mass; the panettone and the pandoro, sweets filled with creams and candied fruit; and gifts, brought to children by Santa Claus, Italian Christmas traditions are rituals expected for all year. December is a magical month for both adults and children, and cities are transformed to recreate the Christmas atmosphere that makes everyone happier and better. The fascinating thing is that, depending on the geographical position, Italian Christmas traditions change, reflecting the culture of the territory, but there is only one common tradition: spending peaceful time with your family.

The paradox is that this year spending time at home with your family, with grandparents, uncles, cousins ​​and friends is forbidden and very dangerous. In Italy, in fact, several precautions have been taken by the government to prevent an increase in coronavirus infection, forcing families to stay at home on holidays, without getting together with friends and relatives for traditional Christmas lunches and dinners. Also the famous Christmas shopping, the characteristic Christmas markets and the meetings with friends and relatives more or less distant are decreased.

The atmosphere is there but it is different, but how can we find the real spirit of Christmas? In fact, the Christmas atmosphere in Italian cities has been recreated with large illuminated Christmas trees in the center of the squares and with lights in the main streets, but we must create the true Christmas atmosphere in our homes, with the serenity and the joy that Christmas must bring us, beyond the restrictions and the situation in which unfortunately we find ourselves.