Being in Florence is quite an experience. Being in Florence as the Florentines prepare for Christmas is a whole other thing. It seems as though there is an influx in children in the city, and every single one of them has a winter jacket cuter than the next! All the stores are packed, the toys stores especially. I caught myself this evening, nose pressed up against the glass,
gawking at the Star Wars legos, along with three or four other little Italian boys. Our breath fogging up the glass, standing there in silence...and excitement.
Living here, and my route from home to school taking me right past the Duomo a few times a day, has allowed me to watch them erect and prepare the massive evergreen that now stands in the piazza between the Baptistry and the Cathedral. Its covered in lights and red fleur-de-lis. Its amazing to watch the medieval city transform in respect to the decorations and holiday energy they generate, even on its greyest and chilliest of days. Most amazing are the lights that hang between all of the main streets. With the sun setting by 5 PM now, they are a welcome addition. They give new life to these old buildings and new appreciation to the American student who has sadly, but naturally, began to take the little things of Florence for granted. I catch myself wandering through the streets with my eyes skyward, following the illuminated strings zig zag back and forth across the small sliver of night sky that tight city allows in.
Although I am slightly sad to be missing Christmas in Florence, I am much more excited to get home to my own Christmas traditions, my family, my friends, and the snow! Happy Holidays everyone! See you in just twelve days!!
