As Christmas approaches in the north of Italy, the days are very short and often the chill through your shoes from the cobble stones sends you indoors. The streets in the evening are very quiet and winter shrouds the towns in a lull before the first snow falls. This was our first winter and Christmas in Italy.

When winter arrived, Jim, myself, and our two young sons Marcus and Jason, had already been living in Italy for 8 months. We chose to live in Jim’s father’s home town; a pretty little town in Southern Lombardy called Varzi (It is situated in a lush green valley, and has a really cute medieval centre. It is actually quite a highlight for many guests who come along on our tours). Our boys were attending prep and grade one at the local school, where they were revelling in the freedom of unfettered play, brought about by the lack of health and safety restrictions!

We had no expectations as to what Christmas in Italy would bring. All we were hoping for was some snowfall, we were definitely not expecting to see the wondrous transformations that took place in townships. It seemed as though overnight, all of the towns in our part of Italy were set alight with golden fairy lights draped tastefully over the streets. Nativity scenes were also lovingly placed outside churches, even in the smallest of hamlets. The most marvellous shop-window displays were also created; each one rivalling the other. As we ventured out in the evening during this time it was like entering a golden wonderland!

As Christmas approached, Jim and I found ourselves in some confronting and confusing situations with our boys around the tale of Santa Claus. We had to do some fast and evasive talking every now and then. Marcus and Jason still believed in Santa, and of course our family Santa story was no different to the standard western version. However, one evening this version of "the truth" was severely challenged when, much to our chagrin, one of our friends suggested that ‘baby Jesus actually brought the presents’! After our friend's departure I hurriedly told the boys that she didn’t know what she was talking about, and just as I thought I had convinced them, one of Jim’s cousins confused matters further by telling them Santa comes just before midnight on the 24th of December! In this case I shamefully explained to the boys that she wasn’t all there! I was a mother desperate to not ruin the joy of Santa for my two little boys, and with some help and support from Jim I managed to do just that.

One very special memory I have of Italy at Christmas time is the magical Trento Christmas market. If you have the chance to go to Italy in late November- December I would highly recommend an evening soaking up the atmosphere here. The piazza is transformed into a Christmas wonder land with wooden market booths draped in golden fairy lights. Christmas songs play, ice sculptures are carved on the spot, and speciality Christmas decorations are ready for sale in many of the wooden huts. The spicy aroma of mulled wine mingles with the smell of sausages and sweet pastries. There is no need to have dinner before you go as the choice of food is wonderful as is the choice of schnapps. I believe the market has doubled in size since we were there - double the fun!

If you would like to visit this market, it is just a short drive up into the Alps, one hour away from Verona. You can click here to have a look at what they have planned this year.

A presto!

Lynette.