what do italians do on christmas

On Christmas Eve, Italian families gather together for a special dinner called the "vigilia di Natale," which translates to "Christmas Eve." The meal typically consists of a variety of seafood dishes, such as octopus salad, baccala (salted cod), and shellfish. This meal symbolizes the birth of Jesus, as seafood was traditionally forbidden during Lent. After dinner, many families attend Midnight Mass or light candles at home to commemorate the birth of Christ. The following day, Christmas Day, Italians celebrate by exchanging gifts, visiting family and friends, and enjoying a large lunch featuring dishes like roast turkey or capon, along