I am indeed fortunate to be living in Italy and experiencing yet another magical holiday! I confess, a long career in advertising and marketing had almost depleted my stores of holiday cheer. Yes, a bit of “too much Christmas” for commercial reasons. Yours truly had become a bit of a Scrooge. Until my move…
Thank You, Italy, for bringing back a hearty Buone Feste into my life!
Maybe it’s the juxtaposition of holiday lights with ancient architecture and streets steeped in history. Maybe it is a matter of letting go of the former life and being able to see with fresh eyes. Maybe it’s the unfettered enthusiasm with which Italians celebrate the holidays. Whatever the answer, I just know I’m grateful to feel like a kid again.
Wherever you are, may this holiday season be full of magic and warmth.
Jed
Buone feste, Jed!
I can totally relate to the “scroogeness” of the holidays from working retail for 35 years. I’m measuring my time before retiring in how many more Christmases I have to work. So glad to hear where I want to spend my time is in such a magical place.
Thank you for sharing all your photos and writings…you always make my day!!
Debra
Altrettanto, Debra! Italy’s time will come and it will keep weaving its seductive spell. I remember working while steadfastly keeping my focus on my big move. I had to be so patient (quite a challenge). But the day finally came. Thanks for writing, as always! Jed
Boun Natale Jed,
May you and yours have a wonderful, blessed, holiday season. Looking forward to 2018 as we have settled in Lucca and really feel great about our decision… After all our planning, research and debates we ended up in a spot we never even considered over the past two years…Go figure. It just feels right at this time. That simple..
Mike DeAngelis
Buon Natate, Mike! Thank you for the kind wishes. Congratulations on having found your Italy home in Lucca, an incredible place, from what I’m told. I will have to go there one of these days. When I do, I’ll be certain to contact you so we can meet up and share our Italy stories in person. Jed
Buone Natalie Everyone! And a direct hello to you Mike. My wife and I have Lucca on our minds every single day. We spent only one day there during a 5 week trip. We will be there in September for 12 days to “research” a possible move in 2020. Glad to hear of your success!
May the holidays bring you joy, laughter, good health, peace, and lots of hugs!
Thanks, Nancy. Tanti auguri!
Jed,
Ive often wonderrd what it would be like to experience this season in Italy. Sounds like you’re doing a fine job of suffering through the the whole ordeal. 🙂
Looking forward to a great year in 2018… and maybe a few more blog posts from my favorite writer? Wishing you the best! Buone Feste!
Kevin, I’m always pleased to see your comments. Yes, I’m soldiering through the big life transformation. I’m a fortunate man to live in such a breathtaking country populated with such passionate people. I’m already starting my list for blog posts in 2018. Stay tuned. Tanti auguri! Jed