How we celebrate

It is tradition in southern Italy to have a seven fish dinner on Christmas Eve. The origins vary, depending on who you ask, as well as the reason for seven types of seafood. Some say it is because it took God seven days to create the universe, or to represent the seven sacraments or the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit according to the Catholic church. Some think that it is perhaps one representing each day of the week. Many would tell us the tradition comes from the observance of the Cena della Vigilia, the culmination of the wait for the miraculous birth of the Christ. It revolves around traditional Catholic/Christian beliefs, and it is a feast celebrating the birth of Jesus. In Italy, the Christmas season begins on December 17 with the Novena, which are special carols, prayers and church services, and ends on January 6 with the Feast of the Epiphany or La Befana. Christmas Eve in Italy is called La Vigilia (lah vee-gee-lyah). The word comes from the Latin word for wakefulness and watching, as in "keeping vigil.." Christmas Eve is the time of the final vigil before the dawn, which brings the birth of Jesus Christ. On the day before Christmas, Catholics in Italy observe a strict fast for 24 hours in accordance with their religious beliefs. The fast ends with a meal of at least seven courses of fresh seafood dishes. Meat is never served at La Vigilia. The people of Naples are famous for their elaborate spreads.
Being neither Catholic nor Italian it may seem odd that we would celebrate this tradition. But living three years in Naples gave us an appreciation for some Italian traditions and this is a very enjoyable one!
The Alpha Male made:
ANTIPASTI
Hot crab and artichoke dip
Fried shrimp ravioli
Insalata di Polipi (octopus salad, it's really good, don't be frightened)
PRIMI PIATTI
Frutti di Mare (linguine with scallops, mussels and clams)
SECONDI PIATTI
Spinach salad with walnuts, cranberries,crumbled feta and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Salmon croquettes
DOLCI
Gelato and gingerbread with lemon sauce

We celebrate Christmas Day in traditional American manner, by waking up early and unwrapping presents the approximate value of which could support a third world village for at least a month and then eating too much food, viva la America!

The day after Christmas will be spent celebrating with the Alpha Female's extended family. Being comparatively recent imports from the British Isles (approximately 40 years ago) it has somehow escaped their attention that Boxing Day isn't really celebrated here. Nevertheless, being fans of tradition, especially those that involve good food, we gladly celebrate their imaginary holiday with them.

BTW, we celebrated Festivus this year as well (Demember 23rd). Thing One and Thing Two especially enjoyed the airing of their grievances. Though the thumb wrestling (Feats of Strength) after dinner seemed to be a big hit as well. I highly recommend the celebration of Festivus, after all, you can't have too many holidays, can you?