Buon Natale

As we try and take in as many activities as possible in this Christmas season – since we will only be here in Italy one Christmas – we have had a busy week.

Downtown we have seen decorated Christmas trees, carnivals, and lights.


This is Saint Peter's at night with the big Christmas tree in front. There are no lights on this tree, only hundreds of shiny balls. The two street lamps shining on the tree makes the tree appear to be lighted.

This is a Christmas witch by the name of Scacciaguai. She is the good luck witch. If you have been good, then she sees that you get presents. If you have been bad, you receive a lump of coal at Christmas. (Sound familiar?)

These two witches are Buffana witches. They announce January 6th that the gift giving is over.

Here is Will choosing his Christmas gift.

Tree in front of Venezia Square.


Last night, Friday, we attended our ward Christmas party. After a program with talks and a couple of Christmas songs, we had a Christmas feast.

We took potluck salads and the ward provided bread, spicy, delicious pork roast, Christmas cake, and drinks.
Santa came of course for the kids.(Got to love the fake beard)

Here is Karen playing grandma to a new baby in the ward. She loved it!

Everyone had a great time being together.

Today, Saturday, Burt’s and us found an Arts and Crafts Show to attend. There were many things to taste,

look at,



and buy if you were so inclined. It made a fun day.

Can’t believe Christmas Eve and Christmas 2009 is actually less than a week away.

We love you all. And we love Jesus Christ! How blessed we are to know that He is our Savior and Redeemer. That He would come to this earth as a tiny babe,

grow up teaching us the way of the Lord, and be crucified and resurrected for each one of us individually is our special, eternal gift. May we think of Him often during the Christmas season.

Buon Natale!
Merry Christmas!