Christmas in Italy, at the turn of the twentieth century, was a very different kind of celebration than the American/English version that greeted the immigrants coming to Wooster Square. The star of Bethlehem positioned above the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Amalfi and the festive window displays in the pastry shops were replaced by Christmas trees and wreaths at the windows — and Santa Claus, who was a new figure as he was nowhere to be found in the Italian holiday folklore of La Befana.
The children, however, quickly embraced the American customs of gift-giving and lighted trees. Window shopping among holiday displays in the downtown department stores was a pleasure that could be enjoyed by all, even those whose holiday budget didn’t allow for much frivolity. But there would be a gift for each child and perhaps even a toy.
