Buona Befana

Did you get gifts or coal in your stocking today? In Italy, January 6 is the day when La Befana, a witchy-looking old woman on a broomstick, delivers presents to good children and coal to bad ones. Babbo Natale, or Santa Claus as we call him, has only been around since recent years, according to my Italian workmates. Back in their childhoods, gifts were not received on Dec. 25, but rather on Jan. 6, Epiphany.

Apparently the cashiers in the cafeteria at work celebrate Epiphany by giving out little chocolates with one's change. I like this.