Buon Natale

This place knows how to do Christmas.  

A few days ago, little tiny buildings started showing up on the sidewalks around our home.  At first I thought "Oh my goodness!  So many little Italian girls are getting playhouses for Christmas!"  Then I thought, "Maybe they are going to do live nativity scenes!" (We do, afterall, live across from a big church.)  However, none of these predictions were correct.  Instead, they are gearing up for the Christmas Market!! 
Yesterday, they had a little sneak peak of what's to come down one of the side streets.  John Ralph and I went to look around and were filled with Christmas cheer. 

I've been wanting some cool stockings for us.  At first I was going to order some online, but the ones I wanted were around $50.  Then I thought I could just make some, but that takes us back to the whole "no craft supplies in this country" deal. 

We were looking at one vendor yesterday and I was trying to decide between a Babbo (Santa Claus) or a wreath for our door.  Then the crowd parted and I saw these little lovelies and had to have them.  They are exactly what I was looking for and only 12 euro a piece!  I just wish we had a chimney to hang them on. 

Another thing we've seen around here are roasted chestnuts.  We decided to give them a try and for 2 euro we got a little bag to enjoy (while singing the song, of course). 

You have to pull the shell off of them to get to the nut.  It kind of looks like a walnut, tastes like a potato mixed with a boiled peanut but sweet, and is a little chewy.  They weren't our favorite. 

The Christmas lights have gone up all around town and now we're just waiting for the lighting ceremony.  I can't wait for the bigger markets to open up.  I'm searching for a beautiful table top nativity scene for myself, and a few more Christmas present for others.  I know this is going to be a magical time for us in Italy!