courtesy of greenowlcrafts.com

As a genealogist I recognise the traditions we have are a way of honouring the past and those that went before us. As each generation produces hopefully another generation new traditions are formed and hopefully will continue into the future.

Waves of migration have enabled tradition to leap from one Country to the next and provided potential for tweaks and turns in those traditions.

In Italy the Christmas season lasts for three weeks from around 17th December with children waiting Epiphany, on 6 January to open their presents; the presents having been delivered by Befana, a kind ugly witch who rides a broomstick. The meal for Christmas Eve, La Vigilia, doesn’t have any meat and contains fish and vegetables which is the same for evening prior to other religious festivals in Italy. Christmas Day is specifically left for feasting and connecting with family.

I grew up in England follow the usual Christmas pattern of living in England, but those Christmas traditions are a far cry from those of my paternal heritage.