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!

photo credit: goddess of chocolate

Have a very Happy Halloween and a peaceful All Saints’ Day tomorrow. You can read about how we celebrate Halloween and All Saints’ Day in Calabria right here.

 
We interrupt this regularly scheduled Travel Tip Tuesday to bring you a very important notice.
 

photo credit: davekellam

 
1) Today Italians around the world celebrate the Festa della Repubblica, the day-63 years ago-that a national vote defeated the monarchy and Italy became a republic. (And they say America is young!)
 
2) For the first time in, oh, I don’t know, five, six weeks, our bed and breakfast is empty. While I certainly don’t hope this habit sticks, it is nice to have a day off every now and then to enjoy Catanzaro.
 
3) My husband and I are taking advantage of the festa and of the temporary vacancies at Il Cedro and plan to spend the day together… to sleep in, to go to the beach or if it rains, to cuddle up with a good movie.
 
So … no travel tips this week. In case you missed them, here are a few popular Travel Tip Tuesday posts.
 
25 Tips for Traveling in Italy
 
25 More Tips for Traveling in Italy
 
Three Tips for Traveling as a Couple
 
Six Tips for Packing for an International Vacation
 
How to be the Most Hated Person on the Plane
 
12 Tips for Stretching Your Dollar in Europe
 
Looking for something new? Head over to Robin’s and see what she has going on today!
 
If you are taking the day off for the Festa della Repubblica today-ENJOY! If not, then come to Italy … we’ll celebrate it again at the same time next year.

 
Until next time … Buon Viaggio!
 

 
Today is San Giuseppe Day and Joes, Josephs, Giuseppes, Peppes, Gius and Giusys throughout the world are celebrating their namesake. Well, maybe not throughout the world … but they could. And in fact, I think they should.
 
March 19 is the day Italians remember Saint Joseph who, according to an article published in the Guarda! Column at Italy Mag, saved Sicily from famine in the Middle Ages by providing them with fava beans, which still play a large role in southern Italian celebrations.
 

photo credit: ourladymedjugorje

 
In addition to Joes, La Festa di San Giuseppe honors Saint Joseph as Jesus’ stepfather and pays tribute to all fathers throughout Italy-and what better way to honor them than with some of the best sweets this side of the Atlantic?
 

 
Just look at that zeppole, won’t you?
 
Thinking about making these deep fried Italian doughnuts for the fathers in your life? Well, look no further. Here are a few mouth-watering recipes that will send your taste buds into overdrive.
 
AllRecipes
 
Adriana’s Italian Gourmet Cookies
 
Diana’s Desserts
 
Auguri to all of the Giuseppes out there, the Italian fathers and to all of the fathers who are with us today in both body and spirit.
 
Have you ever had these Father’s Day cream puffs? Have you ever made them yourselves? If so, leave a link to your favorite recipes in the comments!
 

photo credit: ??????????

 
Welcome to Settimana dell’ Amore. In anticipation of the impending lovefest holiday this week and because I am anxious to share the love with My Bella Vita readers, this week is all about love.
 
To kick off the event, I’d like to congratulate the winner of the Prisoner of Circumstance book giveaway …
 

NYC/ Caribbean Ragazza

 
I hope you enjoy the  book and that you will come back soon and tell us all about it. Well, not all about it. Nadine might not like that.
 
In other contest news and in honor of Settimana dell’ Amore, one lucky My Bella Vita reader commenter … make that commenter, will win a $25 gift certificate from Amazon.com. A name will be selected from all comments made from today, February 9-Saturday, February 14.  The more you comment, the higher your chances of winning. So all of you lurkers out there … especially you, you Kountze HS grad (Yes! My sis told me all about it!) leave a comment. It is ok. We won’t bite. Hard.
 
I’d also like to direct you Italy-obsessed travelers and expats to the survey in the left-hand column. It’s quick. It’s short. It’ll take you two minutes. I promise.
 
Results from the survey, as well as the Amazon.com gift certificate winner will be announced on Monday, February 16.
 
In the meantime here is a bit of history on how Valentine’s Day was celebrated in Italy “back in the day.”
 
According to St.Valentines.net, Italians would hold an outdoor festival, complete with live music and poetry readings in a local garden or park. After listening to the readings, happy couples would stroll off with their young lover into the gardens. In Torino, betrothed couples announced their engagement on Valentine’s Day and shops would decorate their door fronts and sell candy the few days leading up to the event.
 
When I was young, my dad always brought chocolates or flowers home on Valentine’s Day. It was a tradition we looked forward to each year. Do you remember any family traditions your parents shared with you? Do you have any Valentine’s Day traditions with your own children?
 

 
Love … romance … sensuality … Italy has it all. This year, let your inner Italian show through with a one-of-a-kind gift that’s flavored with the fragrance of the Bel Paese.
 
Here are five creative Italian-themed gift ideas for less than $50 each. And if any of you see my husband, send him the link. Sometimes even the best Italians need a little nudge.
 
Bella Cucina Canvas - $24.95
 

 
For practical Italophiles who like to cook up a little more than love and romance in their steamy kitchens, this personalized Bella Cucina canvas just might be the missing ingredient.
 
Gondolomio Italian Singing Dog – $29.99
 

 
Nothing says ti amo like the Gondolomio singing dog. He guides a gondola, he moves, he shakes, he sings … Remind your Valentine of those romantic Venetian nights with a gift that is guaranteed to set the mood and leave you smiling long after your Valentine’s celebration has ended.
 
Murano Glass-Beaded Necklace – $34.99
 

 
Nothing is more Italian than Murano glass, handmade in one of Italy’s most romantic cities. This Valentine’s Day, give your sweetheart a piece of Italy she can hold close to her heart all year long.
 
Banfi Col di Sasso Toscana Gift Basket - $46.99
 

 
There is no need to go out this Valentine’s Day when you can have a taste of Tuscany delivered to your doorstep. Uncork the wine and let the night unfold as you and your Valentine enjoy Italian pasta, cheese and chocolates from Europe’s most romantic country.
 
Pelletterie Fiorentine Small Leather Jewely Box – $49.50
 

 
These three little words are sure to melt the heart of your Valentine – Made in Italy. Slip a handwritten note scripted in the language of love inside the box … diamonds and other gems, optional.
 
I kept all of these gift ideas $50 and less because, although my husband and I do celebrate Valentine’s Day, we like to keep things simple. What about you? Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? And if so, how?
 

 
Tomorrow, January 6 is the Epiphany, a date commonly celebrated in the Catholic church and cherished throughout Italy. If you aren’t sure what the Epiphany is, you can read up on it here. But please come back.
 
I grew up in a large Catholic family in Texas and have never celebrated the Epiphany. In fact, I was usually back in school by the time this post-Christmas holiday rolled around.
 
But it is quite different for Italians.
 
See this little witch here?
 

photo credit: fuzzcat

  
Well … she has something to do with how Italians celebrate the Epiphany. I wrote a blog post two years ago – when I first started My Bella Vita – about the legend of La Befana.
 
I’ve included part of it for you here today.
…
 
La Befana is one of Italy’s oldest and most celebrated legends. Each year on January 6 Italian children awaken to see if La Befana visited to their house. This day marks the day the three Wise Men arrived at Jesus’ manger. Apparently, over the years this has been a more celebrated holiday for the children of Italy than even Christmas.
 
According to the legend, the three Wise Men were searching for the Christ child when they decided to stop and ask for directions. (Now – I have a problem with this part of the story for 2 reasons – 1) why didn’t they keep following the star, and 2) men NEVER stop and ask for directions, especially if there were three of them … but anyway, along with the story!)
 
Upon knocking on the door of a small house, an old woman holding a broom opened the door slightly to see who was there. Standing at her doorstep were three colorfully dressed men who were in need of directions to find the Christ child. The old woman didn’t know who they were looking for, and could not provide them with directions. Prior to the three men leaving they asked the old woman to join them on their journey. (Sure, three colorfully dressed men are going to ask an old raggedly witch on a broom to join them??)
 
The old woman declined saying she had too much housework to do. However, after they left she felt as though she had made a mistake and tried to catch up with the men. After hours of searching she could not find them. Thinking of the missed opportunity, the old woman stopped every child to give them a small treat in hopes that one was the Christ child. Each year on the eve of the Epiphany she sets out looking for the baby Jesus. She stops at each child’s house to leave those who were good treats and those who were bad a lump of coal.
 
Have you ever celebrated the Epiphany? If so, how? Does Santa bring your stocking on Christmas Eve or does La Befana bring it on January 6?

By the time you are reading this post I have already flown through England, soared above the Atlantic and have (hopefully) landed in Texas.

Christmas is here and to fully celebrate the holiday season with family and friends in the US, My Bella Vita is taking a break.

I’ll be back to posting at my regular schedule on Monday, January 5, 2009.

But first, here are a few of my favorite things about Christmas …

What are yours?

Merry Christmas everyone and have a super-duper New Year!
Photos compliments of: 1. It’s Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas!, 2. Christmas Santa 2006 – 044F, 3. Christmas on the Champs-Élysées, 4. Christmas Stockings, 5. Gift Wrapping, 6. Christmas in Venice, 7. Another Christmas? Yes … Another Golden Christmas!!!, 8. La Befana, 9. Texas christmas, 10. cookies!, 11. Mosaic Portrait: Father Christmas, 12. Christmas cards, 13. Christmas Snowman14. Not available15. Not available16. Not available