There was a time when Christmas trees had nothing artificial hanging from the branches, but only real fruit such as apples, oranges, tangerines, homemade cookies and wrapped chocolates.
On January 6, it happened in all homes, people invited friends, family and neighbours to play the game of stripping the Christmas tree. The game was mainly for kids, a few adults participated as well, and it was fun. Those who played had to be blindfolded to avoid picking up the best prize: the chocolates. After the tree was completely naked of fruit ornaments, the count began to see who picked up the most chocolates. Kids received simple utilitarian gifts on January 6, not on Christmas. The simple gifts could have been a new sweater, a new pair of shoes, maybe an electric train with one track, a doll, wooden toys that could not be easily disassembled or a book. Kids played with other kids, hardly with toys, we were so creative in inventing our own games, told each other stories of our bravery, and talked to oblivion until our heads exploded. No kid ever stayed alone in his/her room and parents were always present.
Then the lights of the tree were turned off and one more large dinner took place with all the people invited for that evening, officially closing the Christmas holidays, unless the next day, on the seventh, was a Sunday. The new week was business as usual. Everyone returned to work and the kids went back to school. Street decorations did not exist, as Christmas in Italy was a religious event, thus there was nothing to turn off.
Christmas customs have changed even in Italy and consumerism has taken over. The Christmas custom I described was the Christmas I experienced as a girl living in Italy and today this ritual came out of the blue from the drawer of my memories.
I am glad I was born in a different latitude where I learned strong life values that helped me everywhere I lived in the world. I hope all of you had a nice Christmas and I wish you and your family a splendid 2025. Ciao,
Valentina
Copyright © 2024 Valentina Cirasola, All Rights Reserved
Valentina Cirasola is an interior-fashion consultant, author of 6 published books, a storyteller, and a longtime blogger. Her books are non-fictional practical ideas to apply in the home, fashion, cooking and travel.
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Valentina Expressions 
Dec 30, 2024 @ 20:17:53
Oh, I so love this – “The Christmas custom I described was the Christmas I experienced as a girl living in Italy and today this ritual came out of the blue from the drawer of my memories.”
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Dec 31, 2024 @ 07:30:51
I was a loved child and my memories are grand. Thanks for the visit. Happy New Year.
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Dec 30, 2024 @ 09:54:37
Fascinating to read about the Christmas you grew up in. I really like the idea of having real ornaments like fruits and chocolates on the tree, and also great the game gifts were something on the practical, thoughtful side. These days there is much commercialism surrounding Christmas, gifting for the sake of gifting. Here in Australia it’s so hard not to notice the Christmas sales throughout the end of the year – it’s so in your face.
I always enjoy learning about your culture from you. I hope you are doing well and have a wonderful year ahead, Valentina 🙂
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Dec 31, 2024 @ 07:37:36
Here too, Mabel, Christmas sales start as soon as schools reopen around mid August and are in our faces until the end of December. Yesterday, I saw Christmas decorations 60% off the regular price and there were people buying them for next year. Unbelievable!
I am glad you enjoyed reading my childhood experiences. Christmas was entirely another thing back then. Happy New Year.
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Dec 31, 2024 @ 09:44:09
August is really early to start Christmas sales. I think it’s similar here too. A few days ago I was at the shops and already there are Easter things for sale. So, so early.
Looking forward to reading more of what you have to share, Valentina. Take care and stay safe in the year ahead 🙂
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