Befana Day

“Being a good housekeeper, many say [Befana] will sweep the floor before she leaves. To some the sweeping meant the sweeping away of the problems of the year.” —Wikipedia’s page on Befana.

Even though we are Jewish, even though we don’t even have Chinese food on Christmas, even though we aren’t into any other winter holiday… we still celebrate Befana Day. Which is tonight. The astute among you will notice that no matter what we call it, it’s really Epiphany. I picked up the idea 25+ years ago in Italy, and I’ve been celebrating it ever since.

Though, this year, that sweeping part takes on new meaning. Get out of the home, 2020.

The twins have always celebrated Befana Day, graduating from candy in their shoes to candy placed on top of drawings of shoes (because it is really gross when you think about it, even if the candy is wrapped). Befana drops off a gift, treats, and a letter that falls somewhere between a lecture and love song. Tonight, we’ll eat gnocchi pomodoro and go to bed a little early to ensure that she’ll have enough time to drop off presents before flying on her broomstick to the next house.

It’s just enough. Befana Day is one treat and one gift, regardless of age. It’s one simple meal and no other obligations. That’s about all I can handle at the start of 2021.