In the days leading up to Christmas, we continue to explore Italy's traditions and share some of our favourite recipes, gift ideas, decoration tips and personal stories and anecdotes about the holidays. This is just our way to wish you all Buon Natale and feel a little closer to each one of you. Today, you cannot miss Silvia's feature about one of Emilia's top Christmas delicacies, cotechino, and her yearly 'struggle' to explain to relatives and friends that while she certainly understands the importance of this tradition she simply does not like it! I went through the same experience when I was a child during New Year's Eve when almost all Italians eat lentil soup claiming it brings good luck and the more you eat the more money you will make that coming year. Well, I still remember relatives telling me 'Don't you want to earn some money next year?!' Now considering the current Italian financial situation I can safely affirm that the lentils-money thing DOES NOT WORK! However, I can now appreciate this traditional soup and make everyone happy because I enjoy and appreciate its delicate taste. You have few more days left to order the foodie gift box with the top quality ingredients I selected from our partners EATALY and make sure you are eating what we are eating at Christmas. Order it here. I remind you that the second edition of ITALY Magazine Blogger Awards is currently on. Thanks for the incredible response and please keep those nominations coming by filling this form. Nominations are open until the 3d of January.