Tradizioni Natalizie...Christmas Traditions ...

It wouldn't be Christmas without them,  and this year was no different.  The season began, as it always has, by choosing a Christmas Tree.  For as long as I can remember I have loved choosing just the right tree. Decorating the tree and the house, making it cosy was next on the list of seasonal traditions. One of the most special traditions was when I was very young, watching Mom and Dad making Cartellate at the restaurant.  They would spend a very long day making lots of these delicious pastries for the family and many friends.  As I got older,  I too have embraced this tradition,  making Cartellate with Mom and my sister and my daughter and niece.  This year was the first Christmas without Mom being present to help us,  but she was there in spirit and in our hearts as we happily carried on the tradition while remembering and reminiscing about days gone by and how Mom and Dad would have been so happy to see us enjoying our memories... and making new ones...

Tocchi Di Natale… Christmas Touches…

Just starting to do my Christmas decorating.  This lovely rain that we've had,   has postponed the buying of the Tree…  but just for a couple of days.  Priscilla is not home to help with the building of the Gingerbread Cottage,  so I just did it on my own… happily,   marking the beginning of our yearly traditions.  Panettone ,  a Christmas tradition… made into my new favorite dessert… Panettone Bread Pudding.  I will try not to make,  and eat this EVERY day… so delicious!