Buon Natale (Merry Christmas) to one and all!
One of the beautiful customs here in Tuscany is placing a Presepe (literally a crib but as used here, a Nativity scene) outside your home and/or shop. The Presepi (plural of Presepe) remind me of the real meaning of Christmas, that of the birth of the Christ Child bringing peace and joy to the world.
As we travel around Tuscany, we are met with Presepi of various materials and sizes. The creativity shown in the designs and settings for the Presepi are fascinating. We’ve seen Presepi made of painted rocks, in a toy car, in a terracotta planter, in a wooden barrel, the list goes on and on. How wonderful that the people here celebrate Natale with such reverence and in such a delightful way. That they share their Presepi with the public is so much appreciated by us.
John, Chris and I attended Christmas Mass at the Chiesa di SS Jacopo e Filippo (Church of Saints Jacopo and Filippo) in Iano. We were deeply touched by the beauty of this tiny church and of the voices of the Nuns singing Christmas hymns.
After Mass we walked down the strada (street) to Antico Borgo Ristorante where we enjoyed a pranzo meraviglioso (marvelous lunch) in the traditional Tuscan style. We were delighted to see our friends the Mazzoni-Cavallini family and the wonderful staff of Antico Borgo. We had a true feast thanks to the talents of Chef Omar, Alessia and Sara who joined him in the cucina (kitchen), Servers Luca and Samuele (we missed Server Erica!), the delightful company of owners Mauro and Marisa, la loro figlia (their daughter) Sandra, suo marito (her husband) Stefano and le loro figlie (their daughters) Lavinia and Nora.
The dolci (desserts) were outstanding Tuscan treats (as were the other pranzo courses!) baked with love by Sandra. Her delizioso (delicious) Panettone (sweet bread with fruit), Panforte (chewy dessert containing fruit and nuts), Cavallucci (chewy biscuits made with anise, almonds and candied fruits) and Ricciarelli (chewy almond cookies) were the perfetto (perfect) way to end un pomeriggio perfetto (a perfect afternoon)!
We wish you all a Blessed Natale and hope that this celebration of the birth of the Christ Child brings you peace and joy!
You always make me hungry when I see John’s food photos