Let me take you back to the Roman Christmas my family had. David had taken students to spend the fall semester in Rome and the children and I were to fly over and meet him for Christmas. The apartment he had that time was spacious and elegant, but rather noisy as it was high over a busy intersection. Those of you who have visited Rome, know there is an endless shrieking siren sound , day and night.
David had bought a lovely live tree and put a garden of poinsettias under it. There was lots of candy from the Piazza Navona Christmas market. As we walked around the city getting reacquainted with memorable places from past visits, we noticed next to no decorations, no lights of the trees or over the streets, no wreaths etc. Not a one of the many Christmas displays so prevalent in the United States. (This may be different now, as this Christmas I am recounting was in the 80s.)
In my previous post, I told you about Christmas Eve ,the fish dinner tradition of ancient Christianity, and our foiled attempt to get to midnight mass.
https://talesalongtheway.com/2015/12/22/christmas-eve-at-st-peters-basilica-a-roma/
We first noticed the deadly quiet from the streets below, as we awoke on Christmas morning. Honestly, Rome is one of the noisiest cities in the world, but not on Christmas morning. Next we noticed very few people walking. We hurriedly got dressed and headed to our Cappuccino Bar for breakfast. Not a single one in our neighborhood was open. We walked near a church and there were groups of families going in. Next, we noticed the missing street vendors who sell flowers from Africa. . . . usually so colorful and fragrant, there were no paperboys. . . . nothing was open. Everyone must be home with their families for Christmas morning. I asked David if had any food in his apartment. . . some bread , wine, and fruit. But of course we expected to eat at least dinner out while we were there. And I had not expected to COOK! Yikes. . . . Maybe a simple pasta? None of the restaurants were open for dinner, but we didn’t starve!
We were still dumbstruck that in this very secular city that it would completely shut down for a Christian holiday. Well that was the case, Christmas in Rome is a family celebration and remembrance of the birth of the Christ child All day we saw families entering the cathedrals with their children, and go to the presepe (nativity) display of the long ago Bethlehem miracle. They are amazing to see and each church has a special touch. . . a waterfall, or maybe a moving star for the Magi to follow.
These magnificent churches we had visited on other days, were nearly empty for daily mass except for the older women in black were now drawing families to see, remember, and discuss the story of the Christ child. Maybe it was just a tradition, maybe the respect of Romans for families and especially mothers, or maybe even in this secular country a tiny mustard seed of faith and hope for the story of the Savior of the World come to earth on a Christmas night, so long ago.
So on this December 23 as I remember a special Roman Christmas, I want to share with you pictures from Google Images of some of the magnificent presepe in the over 360 churches in Rome.
Merry Christmas!
Buon Natalie a Roma !
Great blog…x
I love how you can share 3 Christmas’s…
From 3 Cultures.
Italy, India and USA…
I can only share a Scottish Christmas. So you are blessed in a small way.
You are a wonderful woman Anne.
Don’t stop doing what you do, never stop being who you are.
I can tell stories and people take them as if it’s hate.
Never, just passion. You share good things, amazing things.
Things people like and talk back too…
I write things that scare people…But know it scares me too..
From Dawn the kids and I …
Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and loved ones..
This is 1 day of the year where we are ALL connected via love.
That love can be God, Parents, Partners, our Kids, our friends.. x
Sometimes as a kid I used to always think to myself
“Why are people so nice on Christmas yet are all nasty and frosty come the New Year”
Scotland celebrated Christmas almost alone with family.
But we bring in the New Year with the World. We are exposed for what our Culture is.
Same as me looking Time Square, Hong Kong or Sydney Australia.
Have a good one Anne….
My love from Scotland x
Shaun, thanks for the lovely Christmas gift message. There is no doubt that I have been greatly blessed. Next year, I will share Christmas in India, which will probably surprise people too! Much love for a happy Christmas for you, Dawn, and your family. Thank you for your friendship which is always intriguing! I look forward to great stories and news from my Scottish friend, Shaun in 2016!
xx
Reblogged this on raulconde001 and commented:
See pictures of a beautiful time in Rome, Italy.
I live in Rome so I understand your Roman Christmas bewildement. However, in case you come back to Rome for Christmas time again, you would be pleased to know that nowadays many bars are run by Chinese, hence they are open even on Christmas day. 😉 Have a fabulous Christmas. Stefy. 🙋
David said, “Good.” to your message! Thanks so much for the information! Have a lovely Christmas! Thanks for taking time to write!
Often I wish I had blogged things like this and not scary stories…
But it’s not important. The people behind me and on my lap listening to music are the important parts.. Knowing what is really important is something you taught me Anne…
And I can’t thank you enough.. .lol
I forgot to mention that lovely song. . . with the true reason for Christmas. . . You always can send just one for the “heart of the matter!” Thanks Shaun!
What a kind Christmas message from you Shaun. I thank you for all that you have taught me as well. . . . from Scotland ! Christmas blessings!
Scottish Humor gets many people lost…But cultural differences are either broken or fought for.. x #Blessings x
Merry Christmas!
Happy Christmas to you , too!
Merry Christmas and all the best!
Many thanks, Norm! Happy Christmas and New Year to you and your loved ones!