Italy

One of the traditional Christmas foods in Italy is the panettone. One is pictured to your right.
==The eight days before Christmas known are called Novena. During Novena, children go from house to house reciting parts of Scripture, Christmas poems, and singing. They are rewarded with gold coins by homeowners. ==

==In Italy children wait until Epiphany, on January 6, to get their presents. According to tradition, the presents are delivered by an ugly witch called Befana on a broomstick. She was told by the three kings that the baby Jesus was born, but she was busy and delayed visiting the baby. So she missed the Star of David, lost her way and has been flying around ever since, leaving presents at every house with children in case he is there. She slides down chimneys, fills stockings and shoes with good things for good a children, and leaves coal for children who are not so good. ==