Beautiful Italian Words: Strenna
The Christmas Edition. Here’s a word to guide you through the holidays and keep you connected to yourself ( and Italy)
You’ve probably never heard the Italian word strenna but it’s perfect for this time of the year. A strenna is a present that you give at Christmas time.
It dates back to ancient Rome, where there was the custom of giving gifts in the period going from 17 December to 23 December.
Apparently, it comes from the latin word strenae, that means “ gift of good luck”.
It perfectly embodies the spirit of Christmas, connections and tradition.
Today, strenna is used in Italy to describe Christmas presents, as well as curated gift packages like festive food baskets filled with regional delicacies—think artisanal pasta, local wines, or a beautifully wrapped panettone.
I do think that the word strenna should be used more.
Regalo, gift, is something you can get all year long.
But strenna? It’s for Christmas.
This period calls for special words, right for the season and the energy they beckon.
That’s why I picked this word as my Christmas gift to you.
It’s more than just a gift. It’s a gesture of goodwill, thoughtfulness and connection.
We all need more of that in our lives.
Christmas can become a moment in which we feel the urge to quantify our feelings for others and that has to happen buying something.
However, the gifts I remember from Christmases in my past, weren’t particularly expensive or even valuable.
They became cherished in my mind and now in my memories, because there had been care and thought behind it.
Like all the times that my neighbour Concetta would give me a homebaked tortano or struffoli. She’d wrap them up and add in a ribbon and that was it.
It wasn’t an expensive or fancy gift. But it carried the essence of care, tradition and time well-spent. After all, it takes a few hours, some energy and care to bake a tortano.
It was years back but I still remember how good they tasted. It was something small and thoughtful.
Or, in the theme of gifts, I also remember the tiny, hand-blown glass ornaments gifted to my family by friends who worked as vetrai (glassmakers).
As a child, I would marvel at their delicate and fragile beauty, enchanted by how something so simple could hold so much wonder. It was made by hand and that too me seemed incredible.
Even now, whenever I see glasswork, I’m transported back to those magical Christmases and the friendships that made them special.
How can the word strenna help you this Christmas?
If a strenna is a gift of good luck, why not extend that generosity inward? In the rush to give to others, we often forget to care for ourselves. What if, this year, you were your own thoughtful neighbor?
A strenna to yourself doesn’t have to be grand. It could be as simple as:
Blocking out an hour for rest—a cozy chair, a cup of tea, your favorite Christmas story- maybe the one your dad read to you?- and nothing else.
Flipping through old photo albums and revisiting joyful memories.
Journaling about your love for Italy, reflecting on how it began, and dreaming of how you’d like to explore it in the coming year.
Reaching out to an old friend or relative, just to reconnect.
Giving yourself permission to daydream—without judgment, without goals, just for the pleasure of imagining. What comes up?
Or it could be as intangible as a promise: to honor your passions, to embrace imperfection, to approach life with more dolcezza.
We should see them as little pockets of energy and goodwill that we send out in the world.
What if we gave ourselves the biggest strenna of all, connection and presence?
At a time when we seem to be able to buy so much, why has it become hard to give ourselves what our hearts really crave and call for?
This Christmas, may your strenne—whether big or small—bring moments of joy, connection, and love to those you care about but also to yourself.
And may we all take the time to savor these gifts, just like a slow sip of Italian coffee. Or a glass of excellent prosecco.
Buon Natale a tutti voi. 💫
