photo courtesy anglokids.wordpress.com
I've been having lots of fun searching for interesting Advent calendars to feature here, and am enjoying reading the many emails and comments I've been receiving from all you readers. I have to admit I really wanted to make the one I chose for today.
December 8th is one of the most important days of the month for Catholics around the world. It's the Feast day of the Immaculate Conception, and it's so important here in Italy it is a national holiday. That's right. Many shops and businesses here in Venice were closed today. In addition to it being a holiday, it is also traditionally the day on which Italian families put up their Christmas trees, holiday decorations and get their presepes (nativity scene) all set up.
So... are we all set to see what Day 8 (otto) has stashed behind the door?
Christmas decorations! Decorazioni di natale! I went in search of a few new ornaments for our tree (which we did not get up today, but soon!). In Venice, obvious decorations are made of Murano glass. After a few hours walking, here are my favorites. I won't tell you which one came home with me, I'll let that be a surprise. Maybe you'll be able to spot it on my tree. Which one would you have chosen?
Yes, Babbo Natale in glass!
And Babbo Natale in a gondola. When in Venice.....
More on a gondola. But each one is slightly different, I loved them all.
This window display had a veritable army of teeny tiny Babbos.
A glass Christmas tree.
Frosty!
Have you decided on your favorite?
Buon Natale!
