If you thought the holidays were over now that we're in the new year, think again. At least in Italy, we've got one more holiday to go! January 6 is l'Epifania. From the Christian perspective, it represents the day the Magi (three Wise Men) went to visit Jesus. But from a more magical perspective, it's a very interesting holiday revolving around a gift-giving witch. The Story of La Befana As the story goes, La Befana was out sweeping her front porch one day when three guys passed by carrying...

We're not done with the holiday season! With the end of the year right around the corner, I thought I'd share how we celebrate New Year's Eve in Calabria. As the year draws to a close, things have calmed down. The hard work of gathering chestnuts and harvesting olives is done. The weather is humid and cold, with frequent rains. We spend a lot of time by the fire, being, rather than doing. In contrast to the progressive dinner parties and raucous parties I attended with friends in the U.S.,...

The first thing you should know is that Christmas is my favorite holiday. Of the 11 boxes I shipped from the U.S ., one was filled with ornaments. As an expat, decorating our house makes me feel more at home and connects me with the traditions of my own American family. Still, Christmas in Calabria is not quite like what I knew back in the States. Calabrians Don't Go Overboard with Decorations I'm not a madwoman; I wait until (just after) Thanksgiving to decorate the house rather than putting...