Santa Lucia is a holiday in many parts of the world including Scandinavia and some towns in Northern Italy, particularly in the Veneto and two towns in Lombardy, Crema and Cremona. The latter is a very famous city for its liutai or lute makers as well. Here is an interesting explanation of this festive day that some consider almost as important as Christmas. Santa Lucia was a Saint from Siracusa, Sicily.

My own reason for celebrating Santa Lucia lies much closer to home with my beautiful niece whose name day is today – Lucia. Here’s a recent photo of Lucia holding her new cousin, Niccolo’, on Thanksgiving. Much to be thankful for this year.