Christmas in Italy

                               
Christmas in Italy
In Italy the Christmas season lasts for a few weeks up until Epiphany. It is common practice for Italian children write letters to Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) asking for Christmas presents. Christmas meals include:

• Lo zampone (skin of a lower pig leg filled with minced meat)
• Il cotechino (sausage, similar to salami)
• Turkey
• Lamb
• Tortellini (ring-shaped pasta)
• Il panettone (fruitcake)
• Bombardino (a popular drink similar to eggnog).

The presepe (Nativity scene) is often seen outdoors, particularly outside churches. The Nativity scene is popular custom that has spread across to many countries. TheCeppo (a Yule log) is also burnt during Christmas and must stay lighted until New Year’s Day.