You know how your mom said something as a child that always stuck with you and you find yourself remembering those wise words well into your adult years?

Well, when I was young, I had a hard time understanding the Mother’s and Father’s Day gift-giving rituals that excluding us kids.

“But when is Kid’s Day?” I asked, as I handed her the gift my father had bought in our names.

“Every day is Kid’s Day,” she replied, as she happily accepted the present, along with the laughter and adoration of my father, her quick remarks had earned her.

“Hmmm …,” I thought, as I begrudgingly marched off. “It’s never kids day … and I’ll never tell my kids that!”

And I haven’t. (No, I don’t have kids, but that is neither here nor there, really …)

But I have repeated those words.

When I moved to Calabria in 2006, I’d never heard of the Festa della Donna or International Women’s Day, so I wasn’t really expecting the outpouring of presents I received from my husband. Although he brought me a mimosa flower-and if memory serves, a new pair of shoes-he did have one thing to say about it.

“Why isn’t there an International Men’s Day?” he asked.

… and I think you know what I said.

photo credit: jlastras

But more to the point, today, March 8, is International Women’s Day. It represents not only the economic and political achievements for which it was founded, but for me, here in Calabria, thousands of miles from my closest female family members and friends, it represents gratitude.

1. Today, I’m celebrating Women’s Day with as many international women as I can round up-and that is the first way you can celebrate. We are meeting for pizza and shopping here in Catanzaro, and I, for one, am hoping to hit up the Furniture Fair in Catanzaro Lido.

2. If you can’t get your girls together for lunch and shopping but happen to be in one of Italy’s larger cities, then you are in luck. Venice had free admission to the state museum yesterday and several attractions in Rome and Florence regularly have free or reduced entrance fees for Women’s Day.

3. Recognize the Women in Your Life. I’m thankful for many of them*, particularly the ones who have helped to make my transition into Italy a success.

From the blogless world, I’d like to thank my favorite Irish lass, Jenny, who found my sign for a mother language English teacher in our local bookstore and dialed the number.

Kerri and Felicia, who are down to earth, logical and realistic in their experiences as an expat in Calabria and who share their positive perspectives each time we meet.

For my newest friend, Karen, who’s recent move to Catanzaro has spurred an equally enduring friendship between our husbands and who is teaching me the art of making a mojito.

Many of you know my friend, Michelle of Bleeding Espresso, who incidentally, I met-along with Dawn, from Bovino-the weekend of my first International Women’s Day celebration in Calabria.

So, there you go. Three ways to celebrate International Women’s Day today. What are you planning to do?

*For the purpose of this post I’ve limited my shout-outs to women who live in Calabria. So, Mom, yes … I love you, too!

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

Italian Christmas Lights in Squillace, Calabria

Italy Christmas traditions are a little different from the ones we have in the states. In addition to the less-obvious decorations and Christmas cheer, they also celebrate key dates we tend to overlook.

The Italians began their Christmas season this week by celebrating the Feast of Immaculate Conception (of Mary) and will end their season on January 6 during the Feast of the Epiphany.

In fact, I wrote all about Italy Christmas food, celebrations and events last year. You can catch up here.

But one thing I haven’t written about are the Twelve Days of Christmas.

And no, I’m not talking the song.

Many people mistakenly believe the 12 days of Christmas lead up to the big event on December 25. And why wouldn’t they? Stores advertise 12 days of Christmas sales, people give each other trinkets on each of the 12 days before Christmas and even our children return to school before the official 12th day has even passed.

In reality, the 12 days of Christmas are between Christmas Day and the Day of the Epiphany, with the 12th Night being celebrated on the evening on January 5, the same day La Befana delivers gifts to the children of Italy.

There is quite the controversy over whether the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was written as a symbolic code for Christians during a time when it was illegal to practice their faith and even Snopes got in on the discussion by declaring it false.

Whether you believe the origin of the song is steeped in code or that it is a nonsensical musical created for children is up to you. I, for one, kinda like a good conspiracy theory, so I’m gonna go with that.

Speaking of holidays and the days leading up to Christmas, don’t forget to throw your name into the, uhm, random generator hat for ItalianPod101 lessons, an 8X10 Italy photo of your choice or today’s giveaway, a free one-day custom Itinerary for Calabria.

Are you heading to Calabria-or somewhere else in southern Italy? If so, this giveaway is just for you.

All you have to do is sign up for Questo Mese in Italia, the official newsletter of My Bella Vita that is sent six times a year or-using the same form-sign up to receive Calabria Close-Up, a monthly snippet highlighting various cities and villages throughout Calabria.

If you forward the newsletter confirmation to a friend (copy me using the email provided in the confirmation so I’ll know you sent them) and they sign up, you’ll receive an extra two entries! There is no limit on the number of entries you can receive.

You have until Thursday, December 17 at 5:00 PM (Italy time) to subscribe.

In bocca al lupo!