Note about levels: read the article below if you are just starting out in Italian or you want to learn about Italian culture. If you are at a higher level, you can read it in Italian, please download two different versions for A2 and B1/B2 levels HERE.
In Italy, 26 December is Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day), the day that follows Natale (Christmas). While many of you know it as Boxing Day, in Italy it has its own flavour — the focus is on relax (relaxation) after the excitement of Christmas Day, followed by famiglia (family), cibo (food), and, of course, the perfect chance to play some fun giochi (games).
In our household, Santo Stefano always starts with a relaxed tarda colazione (late breakfast). Each family member wakes up whenever they wish. Some of us, like an early rise, enjoying some time alone, others take it easy in their warm piumoni (duvets). After yesterday’s pranzo di Natale (Christmas dinner), everyone’s still a little full, but the cucina (kitchen) is alive with the smell of caffè (coffee), panettone (Christmas cake) and any leftover torte (cakes) that were made for the big day.
It’s a fabulous day for the family cuoca (cook) — in our case, me — because after cooking so much cibo (food) for Christmas, we can now survive on rich and glorious avanzi (leftovers) for days. Finally, the cook gets a day off. Che paradiso! (Heaven!)
After the excitement of Christmas Day, it’s really a day for rilassarsi (relaxing) for everyone and enjoying time together. Many Italians spend it with family, visiting nonni (grandparents) or cugini (cousins). If nonni are around, it’s a day of stories, laughter, and maybe a few gentle arguments over who gets the last slice of pandoro. Although, given the legendary generosity of Italians, when it comes to food, it is difficult to run out of cake at Christmas.
One of my favourite Santo Stefano traditions is the passeggiata (stroll/walk) — after lunch. After all the abbuffate (food binges) of Natale, it’s perfect for stretching your legs and digesting. Where I live, the sun can still shine beautifully, crisp and fresh. You’ll often see families strolling together, chatting, laughing, and pointing out the presepi (Nativity scenes) on display.
Santo Stefano has a playful side too. Families gather around the table to play tombola (bingo) late into the afternoon, shouting “Ambo! Terna! Quaterna!” as everyone tries to win a tiny prize.
In Italy, the 26th December is a public holiday, so many shops — especially supermarkets and small stores — are closed. In big tourist areas, some shops might open, but usually for shorter hours. And unlike in the UK, the big winter saldi (sales) don’t start until gennaio (January). Santo Stefano is therefore all about relaxing, knowing that there’s nothing to do, no list to tick off, no one to please. Watching a film di Natale (Christmas movie) on the sofa, wrapped in a soft coperta (blanket), is the most demanding task of the day — savouring those piccoli momenti di felicità (small moments of happiness).
So, if you ever find yourself in Italy on Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day), soak up the relaxed vibe after the Christmas rush. Join a family for lunch, take a passeggiata, and you’ll see why Italians, and especially me, love this day almost as much as Natale itself.
In essence, Santo Stefano in Italy is all about extending the festive spirit and savouring the delicious treats and leftovers from Christmas Day. It has a more relaxed vibe than Christmas itself and is best enjoyed in your pantofole (slippers), surrounded by a warm, cosy family atmosphere.
Work on your vocabulary:
a. Can you remember the Italian for:
Boxing Day
Christmas
relaxation
family
food
breakfast
duvet
leftovers
sales
Christmas movie
blanket
small moments of happiness
slippers
b. Read again the text and find the words. Remember the more work you do and the more you’ll remember.
