The Christmas season in Italy goes for three weeks, starting 8 days before Christmas known as the Novena. During this period, children go from house to house singing songs and reciting poetry. A strict feast is observed for 24 hours before Christmas Eve, and is followed by a celebration meal. Presents and empty boxes are drawn from the Urn of Fate, which always contains one gift per person. By twilight, candles are lighted around the family crib (Presipio), prayers are said, and children recite poems. At noon on Christmas Day the pope gives his blessing to crowds gathered in the huge Vatican square.

In Italy the children wait until Epiphany, January 6, for their presents. According to tradition, the presents are delivered by a kind and ugly witch called Befana. It is said that she was told by the three wise men that the baby Jesus was born, but was busy and delayed visiting the baby. She missed the Star and lost her way and has been flying around ever since, leaving presents at every house with children in case he is there. She slides down chimneys and fills stockings and shoes with good things for good children and it is said leaves coal for children who are not so good. Sounds like Santa, doesnt it?