From my heritage as Italian and Irish there are a couple of Christmas traditions that folks with that ancestry practice,....
The Italians- Italian Christmas traditions focus on the Christmas Eve meal - The Feast of the Seven Fishes and then a big gathering and meal on christmas day - culminating with the arrival of La Befana, the witch-like figure who brings gifts on January 6th, though Santa (Babbo Natale) brings presents on Christmas Day too. Key customs include decorating trees on December 8th, midnight mass, caroling shepherds (zampognari), and enjoying sweet breads like Panettone and Pandoro.
Irish Christmas traditions blend the old and the newer ones - Midnight Mass on Christmas eve,,, a large Candle /Light in the window ,,,, Holly and Ivy decor... a Christmas feast of Turkey, ham, Potatoes and Mince pie and Puddings for dessert... a Visit from the Wren boys - mostly on St Stephen's day , Dec 26th - they disguised in straw suits and masks, and colorful clothes, parade with a Wren... singing and playing songs, and collecting monies for the community to ensure good luck . Many celebrate withe Christmas day swim,,, and the Irish always a basket of good Buiscuits in the house...
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