Little Christmas

January 6th is the Feast of the Three Kings, which means La Befana will be knocking on our door. 

Not familiar with La Befana? You're not the only one. She doesn't seem to get much play here in the U.S. of A. 

La Befana is to the Epiphany what Santa Claus is to Christmas. Only La Befana's legend has stronger Biblical ties. The story goes like this:

The Magi were following the star but feeling a bit lost on the way. So they stopped for directions to Bethlehem. La Befana was busy cleaning her house and sweeping her floors. She didn't know where the Magi would find the Baby Jesus. And when the Magi invited her to join them, she said was too busy with housework to go. 

So the Magi left without her. Once they were gone, she realized she had made a grave mistake. So she went in search of the Baby Jesus on her own. But she never found him. Even today she continues searching. And since she doesn't know which child might be the Christ Child, she gives all children little presents on the Feast of the Three Kings. 

Tomorrow night we will be at my parents' house for a family dinner and dessert. Since we are all so child-like, La Befana still knocks on our door and leaves small presents for us on our porch. (One year my brother asked a neighbor to play La Befana and doorbell ditch us. It was great!)

Simple present ideas:

• A scarf or gloves
• Movie tickets
• Lottery tickets
• Chocolates and candies
• Dried fruit and teas

Cheers to La Befana and the Feast of the Three Kings!