Buongiorno Italy readers!

The perfect way to wind down 2017 is to celebrate those who share our love for Italy via their blogs or Instagram accounts, so it is very exciting to announce that this year's awards are officially over. We have calculated all of the votes and we want to personally thank everyone who participated and voted, you can see the results and winners here.

With the holidays approaching, it is important to know how to say Merry Christmas in Italian!

Big news for lovers of travel: train travelers passing through Termini station in Rome now have a comfortable place to relax or work in between trains at the ItaliaPass/Leonardo Express VIP Lounge.

No longer a man’s world: We interview the young and talented Giorgia Caporuscio, general manager and executive pizza chef at Don Antonio and Kesté, four Neapolitan pizzerias in New York.

It’s well known that every Italian region has its own culinary traditions, and it’s no exception when it comes to Christmas sweets. We picked one dolce di Natale for each region (some regions have more than one). What’s your favorite?

Italy has a long tradition of serving sweetened pasta, and many of the holiday dishes have a hint of sweetness, here we explore the most notable dishes from North to South.

Where to get into the holiday spirit: Canale di Tenno and Rango are two well-preserved medieval villages where Christmas markets are hosted all around town.

There is something luxurious about Ricciarelli cookies: the softness and bitterness of the almonds, the sugary powder that covers them, the diamond shape they are moulded into, and the old, ancient traditions they represent.

Add a special treat to your holiday parties by making your own homemade farro crackers. Eat alone, serve with cheese, prosciutto or your favorite holiday dip. Buon appetito!

On behalf of the Italy Magazine staff, we wish you guys, our treasured readers, a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from il bel paese.