Buon Natale!

It was an Italian Christmas at the Thayn house this year!

Steven and Marina Stanton, Paul and Bel Thayn, David holding Lily and Kara Thayn holding Jackson

The night started with an amazing Italian dinner, which included dishes such as bruschetta, caprese salad, and zucchini. To compliment our traditional dishes, Kara made a delicious turkey! Just as in Italy, at the end of dinner, each husband found a note of appreciation under his plate.

After dinner it was time for quilling! Quilling is the art of curling small strips of paper into different shapes and crafting them into beautiful works of art. We made ours into Christmas ornaments we could hang on our trees.

For dessert we enjoyed the traditional Italian dish of caramelized pears with a wedge of cheese. It was a simple dish, but turned out to be a hit!

As soon as we finished dessert, we all sat back and listened to the story of Old Befana, the Christmas witch. According to Italian legend, Befana was too busy sweeping to realize the Christ child had been born. When she finally decided to take him a gift, it was too late, and she continues to this day to fly on her broom searching for him. She leaves children gifts in hopes of finding the right one.

At the end of the story, our niece and nephew found a basket of goodies on the doorstep. Old Befana had flown over the house and left us gifts!

"More kok-O-late, Bel?"

After the story we tried an Italian hot cocoa which turned out so thick we couldn't drink it. However, the biscotti we dipped in it was heavenly! Thanks, Kara!

The night was coming to a close, and after we each opened one gift, it was time to say "buonanotte!" (good night) and wait for Santa to come.

Sugar plums would soon be dancing in this boy's head