Gearing up for the end of the winter holidays, everyone makes numerous resolutions, including me. One of mine is to write more copy on this blog. I have written often since December but my numbers and readers have dropped way off. I will resolve to be more interesting and a better correspondent with others on their own sites. I will start with today’s holiday – la Befana. It is a holiday in Italy where an unattractive old looking woman gives out coal to children who are bad and candy to those who were good, the Feast of the Epiphany. Mostly though, the Befana signifies the end of the Winter holidays and after two weeks of vacation, everyone has to go back to work, even in Italy.

Many including me, have considerable trouble getting back to work after the holiday season.

Traditionally, Italians gave their Christmas presents on this day, timed to the arrival of the Magi. When I was living there though all anyone got on la Befana was candy or coal.

Onward to a great 2023 for all. Buona Befana.