Happy Holidays from the Amalfi Coast!

This is my third Christmas on the Amalfi Coast, and each year I fall in love just a little bit more with the holiday celebrations, decorations and season in Italy. The simple beauty of Christmas and time with family seem somehow less adulterated by the commercialism of America. I was pleased to see that Amalfi stepped back its Christmas decorations and lighting this year compared to recent years, in attempt to hold closer to tradition and to save money. Most of the lighting was already in place for the Festival of Sant’ Andrea on November 30th. I’ve read the town has reduced the cost of lighting 50% from last year and the money will be invested in a permanent light display. The live pine tree in the Piazza Duomo has been decorated this year with colorful decorations made from recycled materials, including CDs, by a group of disabled kids from the Centro Diurno di Socializzazione in Amalfi. I think they are fun, and I love that they were handmade in Amalfi!

There are many events and concerts for Christmas in Amalfi this year. It’s a fun and festive time of year in Amalfi! I wish all of my readers a warm and happy holiday time … Buon Natale from the Amalfi Coast!