For the last month and a half, Bedonia and neighbouring towns have been abuzz with lights, music from loudspeakers in the streets, live nativity scenes enacted in town squares, playschool plays, carol singing – the whole works. Here, just as anywhere else, the frenzy of the approaching Christmas was felt, while people were still making last-minute purchases, and preparing for the elaborate meals planned for the festivities. Traditions differ slightly from family to family, since many follow the custom of consuming a fish-based dinner on Christmas Eve, and then possibly finishing off the night attending the midnight mass. The following day is a quiet, “let’s get rid of the left-overs” affair, without too much fuss. Others stick to a lunch with the whole family (when that’s possible!) on the 25th, which for many, is the only occasion for a get-together in the whole year. And then there are the growing families with married or coupled offspring, sometimes with children of their own, who have to juggle between family of origin and in-laws….in this case, Boxing Day (26th) – or Santo Stefano as it’s called here – comes in handy as an extra day on which to banquet (as if we needed one!), avoiding any upsetting situations!!
There is yet another category who we feel for – the ones who have to start the mission impossible on Christmas Eve with a fishy dinner, then have to munch their way heroically through Christmas lunch, possibly attend another ridiculously big dinner the same evening with friends, and then, close to bursting point, cannot get out of the inevitable lunch the next day at zia/nonna’s house!!! Italians certainly like their food, but sometimes even here it gets to be a little over the top!
It’s no wonder then that we are seeing an increasing number of joggers around, as the urge to shed all the calories accumulated during this week becomes all-important. But, alas for our ever-expanding waistlines, we are now building up to the last blast of the year, when New Years Eve winds up on our doorstep and it’s time to party (but most of all EAT) again!! As before, habits differ since some prefer to spend a quiet evening at home, away from the noise and confusion. But the majority love to say goodbye to the old year in a festive atmosphere, just like everybody else, shaking off the cobwebs of the last 365 days, smoothing down the creases and mentally preparing for a better year – because of course it WILL be better – we hope!!! Whatever the reason, the last night of the year is accompanied by more food, music and dancing, be it at a friend’s house or a restaurant, a private circle or a church hall – any place is good. Around our area, many restaurants are offering dinner and music, and since the weather is beautiful, luckily we will waltz merrily into 2019 without any accidents on the roads.
So the day has come, there is excitement in the air, party dresses and high heels are out of the closet, fireworks are being set up all over the country – it’s a matter of hours before we send 2018 on its way. Our American friends will catch up with us a little later, but we will all sail into 2019 very soon.
Valerie and Giancarlo, their three angels and all their collaborators at Villa Tre Angeli wish their many clients and friends a new year full of happiness and love, and it goes without saying that, if you plan a visit with us in Bedonia, you will be halfway there!
BUON ANNO A TUTTI!