A Tale of Two Christmases: Italian American Traditions vs. Italian Festivities

Author 

Andre' DiMino,
IAOVC President

Christmas, a season of joy, family, and traditions, is celebrated with unique flair around the world. Let's explore the enchanting differences between how Italian Americans and Italians in Italy celebrate this festive occasion.
Italian Americans, deeply rooted in their immigrant history, have fused their cultural heritage with the American way of life, creating a distinct Christmas celebration. The holiday season often kicks off with grandiose decorations, where homes are adorned with twinkling lights, wreaths, and nativity scenes. The aroma of Italian-American kitchens is filled with the rich scents of holiday delicacies like panettone, cannoli, and struffoli, passed down through generations.
Christmas Eve, known as La Vigilia, is a cherished Italian-American tradition. Families gather for the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a seafood-centric meal symbolizing the wait for the midnight birth of Jesus. It's a night filled with laughter, love, and the sharing of ancestral recipes that have stood the test of time.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Italians in Italy celebrate Christmas with a cultural richness and historical depth that is truly unique. While decorations adorn homes and town squares, the Italian celebration often revolves around Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The solemnity of the occasion is followed by a festive Christmas Day feast, featuring regional specialties like tortellini in Bologna or Sicilian cassata.
In Italy, the emphasis is on the collective experience, with communities coming together for outdoor markets and intricate nativity displays. Panettone and pandoro, traditional Christmas cakes, take center stage, and the holiday season extends to Epiphany on January 6th, marked by the arrival of La Befana, a mythical gift-giving figure.
In essence, both Italian Americans and Italians in Italy share a deep appreciation for family, delicious food, and the joy of Christmas. While the traditions may differ, the spirit of the season remains a testament to the enduring cultural ties that define these rich and diverse celebrations. Whether gathered around a table in New York or Rome, the warmth of Italian Christmas transcends borders, uniting families in the magic of the holiday season.
At the Italian American One Voice Coalition we honor and defend our Italian American heritage and culture throughout the year.  And, at Christmas we are grateful for the support of our Organization Members and our individual activists who support our efforts all year long.   Grazie – Buon Natale!