According to a report from Agencia Giornalistica Italia (AGI), Italians will spend approximately 800 million Euro (1.1B USD) on sweets and other gadgets for the January 6 Epiphany. This includes the cost of Empty Socks, or Coal for Kids that have Not been nice during the year :)

It's NOT too late, to introduce your kids, grandkids, or youthful family members to this Italian tradition, and get an earlier start on it Next Year.

What BETTER way to get kids attention, and endear them to their Ancestry, as when they get a gift????

Wouldn't it also be a cute suprise to your Spouse to have them wake up to a Sock hung from the Mantle with a Box of Candy in it, with a Note from La Befana telling them that have been Very Nice All Year!! :)

La Befana is the benevolent old woman with magical powers who brings gifts to the children of Italy on the eve of the Epiphany. The name Befana is derived from the word epifania, the Italian name for the religious festival of the Epiphany.

In the weeks preceding Epiphany, the children of Italy are busy writing notes to Befana telling her the presents they would most like to receive.

And they are on their best behavior because they know that Befana will leave a lump of coal, instead of sweets and presents, for ill-behaved youngsters.

La Befana cultural activities that are fun for children and teaches the legend of
La Befana.  The materials include a synopsis of the legend, craft activity, coloring activity, full color image, simple storybook, the 'La Befana' costume checklist, a traditional poem in Italian and more, along with a list of related books, dolls, a video and website links.

Children will learn some simple words, phrases and a poem in the Italian language as they partake in the fun activities and experience the legend of la Befana - an Italian Christmas tradition.

Go To:John D. Calandra Italian American Institute: Community Affairs
http://www.qc.edu/calandra/community   - scroll down - double click on   "The Legend of 'La Befana':  Fun Activities for the Home or Classroom."

Also, in the NYC Metro Area during December and January, "Frizzi & Lazzi Olde Time Italian-American Music & Theatre Company" gives performances of "The Legend of La Befana", children’s musical production, at several locations (Contact:Dr. Aleandri: << ealeandri@aol.com>> Tele: 212- 769 8920)

This musical production, enjoyed by children and adults alike, celebrates Italian tradition and culture for the Christmas holidays.

If you are Not in the NYC metro area, community leaders should start considering now how the "The Legend of La Befana" can be performed in YOUR Community.

Dr. Aleandri has a SCRIPT, and it can be LICENSED at a reasonable royalty fee.  Wouldn't this be a Fun Project, not only for the kid audience, the kid/adult actors, and the adult administrative team?