Strenua scholars the Befana tradition is derived by the Strenua cult. In the book "Vestiges of Ancient Manners and Customs, Discoverable in Modern Italy and Sicily" by Rev. John J. Blunt (John Murray, 1823), the author says: "This Befana appears to be heir at law of a certain heathen goddess called Strenia, who presided over the new-year's gifts, 'Strenae,' from which, indeed, she derived her name. Her presents were of the same description as those of the Befana—figs, dates, and honey. Moreover her solemnities were vigorously opposed by the early Christians on account of their noisy, riotous, and licentious character". Strenua
The Christmas Hope The Christmas Hope The Christmas Hope is a 2009 American-Canadian made-for-television drama film directed by Norma Bailey and starring Madeleine Stowe which was broadcast on Lifetime on December 13, 2009. It is the third part in a trilogy of films, preceded by "The Christmas Shoes" (2002) and "The Christmas Blessing" (2005). After the recent loss of her son Sean—a minor character in "The Christmas Blessing"—Patty Addison (Madeleine Stowe) devotes herself to finding homes for needy children. The loss of Sean has strained Patty's relationship with her husband Mark, an airline pilot. But they reconnect emotionally when they take in Emily,