Decorating the Christmas tree in Italy isn’t simply about putting ornaments on a fir.
It’s a family ritual that marks the beginning of the holiday season, mixing religious celebrations, local traditions and memories that change from region to region.
CHRISTMAS TREE DAY
Across most of Italy, the Christmas tree is traditionally decorated on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Some regions celebrate earlier.
In Milan, families usually decorate their tree on December 7th, the feast of Sant’Ambrogio, the city’s patron saint.
In Bari, preparations often begin on December 6th, for San Nicola.
A FAMILY CHRISTMAS TREE
According totradition, dads put up the tree (sadly, nowadays it is rarely a real tree), moms set the lights, and children hang the ornaments.
The topper of the Christmas tree is the responsibility of the youngest in the house.
ITALIAN ORNAMENTS
The tree topper traditionally alternates between a star—symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem—and an angel, recalling the Annunciation.
Older generations also remember placing the Baby Jesus in his cradle as the final gesture before Christmas Day.
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREES
Although Christmas trees arrived in Italy through the royal family during the nineteenth century, they became common in ordinary homes only after the 1960s.
Those early trees looked very different from today’s perfectly coordinated decorations.
Often they weren’t even fir trees.
Families used whatever nature offered: cypress, oak branches or cork oak.
Ornaments were handmade and wonderfully simple.
Candles.
Lanterns.
Twine.
Candies.
Oranges and tangerines.
Even pieces of coloured glass.
They may have been modest, but they were full of imagination.
TANGERINE TRADITION
One particularly charming tradition was hanging fresh tangerines from the branches.
Children weren’t allowed to touch them until Christmas Day.
For weeks they perfumed the whole house, becoming both decoration and anticipation.
THE PRESEPE COMES FIRST
Despite the growing popularity of Christmas trees, the true symbol of Christmas in Italy has always been the Presepe, the Nativity scene.
Even today, many traditional families display only the crib, considering it the real centre of the celebration.
Buon Natale!
Claudia