by Serafina from Palermo asks Santa about Christmas angels, learns about Mount Etna, and hears about Sicily’s tradition of the Novena before Christmas
Dear Santa, my name is Serafina and I am nine years old. I live in Palermo, in Sicily, Italy, where my nonna says our island has a volcano that occasionally reminds everyone it is still very much awake.
Dear Serafina, I keep a healthy respectful distance from that particular volcano myself, and your nonna’s warning is entirely fair.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you like Christmas angels? My mamma places one at the very top of our tree every single year, and it is the same slightly chipped angel from her own childhood.
I love angel tree toppers, Serafina, and a slightly chipped one with real history behind it means far more than a shiny new one. That angel has clearly watched over quite a few happy Christmases already.
My second question is about our volcano. My teacher says Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the entire world. Is that true?
It is, Serafina. Mount Etna is among the most active volcanoes on Earth, and it has shaped Sicilian life and landscape for thousands of years. Flying past it each Christmas Eve, sometimes glowing faintly at the summit, is one of the more dramatic sights on my whole Italian route.
My third question is about the Novena. My family prays together for nine days before Christmas, sometimes even with musicians visiting our street. Why nine days specifically?
The Novena is a cherished tradition in Sicilian and broader Italian Christmas custom, Serafina, nine days of prayer and reflection leading up to Christmas, sometimes accompanied by traveling musicians called zampognari playing traditional instruments through the streets. It is a beautiful, patient way of slowly building toward the joy of Christmas rather than rushing straight to it.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Serafina Greco
Palermo, Sicily, Italy
P.S. Do you like the zampognari music?
Very much, Serafina. It is one of my favorite sounds of the whole Italian season.
