Christmas traditions period, the death of the old year and the beginning of a new one. While gifts are now given at Christmas by an American style Santa Claus as well, Italy holds fast to its tradition of native gift-givers. On the eve of the 6th, la Befana, the good Epiphany witch, is thought to ride the night skies on broomstick, bringing good children gifts and sweets, and bad ones charcoal or bags of ashes. In other areas it is the Three Wise Men who bring gifts, especially oranges symbolizing gold, and chocolate symbolizing their kisses to good children. In some municipalities,
Family for Christmas She has lunch with Ben and tries to encourage him to finish the novel he started in college—but he has no regrets having chosen a career in advertising in order to support their family. That night the family helps out at the school preparing for the Christmas pageant. The following evening at the pageant, her children meet the same Santa Claus who assured Hannah about her Christmas wish. By chance, the Channel 8 news team cover the pageant, and when the lead reporter is injured in a minor accident, Hannah picks up the microphone and delivers an impressive report. The