In my travels around the world, I am fascinated by the many traditions of Christmas. Some traditions involve elaborate light displays; Others are more subtle. Some involve Christmas trees: Some involve wooden nutcrackers,wax angels or candles. 

I especially like the Italian version of Christmas decorations. For many years, the Italians didn't particularly care for Christmas trees. Their focus was on Presepi. These manger scenes were created from village life. The displays elaborately recreated Napolitano hill villages, complete with butchers, bakers, townspeople and every -day scenes of life. Embedded somewhere in the display was the creche: Mary, Joseph, angels, wise men, shephards and stable animals. 

I've been amazed at the intricacies of these displays. Some took up entire sections of stores or houses. Some of the characters were several feet tall and wore real clothes and jewels. In Naples, there is an entire street of Presepi makers who design real works of art. 

Tradition dictates that each year, a new piece is added to the family's display, much like we add new ornaments to our trees.  The display goes up in early December, but the baby Jesus is only put in the manager on Christmas Eve.

I like this custom. I like seeing the nativity scene woven into daily life. It seems appropriate to the message of Christmas. 

I've started my own collection of nativity scenes. Much to my husband's delight, mine are small so they don't take up as much room as some of the lager ones.  Each visit I make to Italy, I bring home a new piece to expand my display.

Whatever your traditions of Christmas, however you celebrate and decorate for the season, I hope that you may spend time with family and friends. Being close to loved ones and sharing the joy of the season with them truly makes the season bright. A little mulled wine never hurts either. 

I wish you may pause in the hustle and bustle of the season to give thanks and to pass on love, happiness and peace to those with whom you come into contact. I plan on spending my evenings in front of my fireplace, listening to my favorite Christmas songs (Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer is in there somewhere) and sipping hot chocolate while I stare at my tree. May you have the opportunity to do the same. 

I wish you the blessings of the season and peace and wonderful things in the New Year. The Bryson Broadcasting International Newsletter will return 15 January. 

                               Merry Christmas!

                                        Pat