It’s getting to be that time of the year again. Today I am going to tell you about a beautiful tradition that we have back home which me and my family still celebrate every year. Besides Santa Claus, we also have a Santa Nicholas, that comes on the night of 5th December and brings a toy, gloves, warm scarfs, hats and lots of sweets to good kids, leaving them inside their winter boots. If the child didn’t behave or hasn’t cleaned his/her boots, he will only leave behind a long stick in order to show the kid that he knows he’s been naughty (of course that almost never happens). It’s very similar to the Befana, here in Italy.
Ever since I was a kid I loved December. I am the kind of person who would cry if an adult would dare to tell her that any of these Santas don’t really exist. Seriously, never try it, I will cry and because I hardly ever cry, I am not really sure how to do it, so it won’t be a pretty sight. Once Santa managed to get into my house, while I was living alone on the third floor, no one else having my key and left a tone of presents into my boots. So, you try explaining how that happened. Oh, yes, I will also cry if I don’t find anything in my boots. That actually happened twice and I was miserable for a week. It doesn’t matter if it’s only a candy or small piece of chocolate, it just has to be there.
With only three days before Santa’s coming, I am nervous and excited to see Ephia’s reaction to the gifts she will find on that next morning. She didn’t realize it very well last year, although she was happy at the time about the toy and some biscuits, but this year she will be fully aware of her boots being invaded by presents. So, even if this is not an international tradition, however clean your winter boots and I will wish for my Santa to bring something nice for each and everyone of you. And by the way, did you see how beautiful Florence looks like these days? It’s amazing and so cheerful!
