Unlike the United States, that generally recognizes Thanksgiving as the day that ushers in the nation’s Christmas holiday season, in Italy “the season opener” can vary depending where in Italy you are, it can be anywhere from the first Sunday of Advent, which this year fell on Nov. 28, Saint Nicholas Day on Dec. 6 or Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

For the most part the Feast of Immaculate Conception (l’Immacolata Concezione) is the most recognized day as the season’s beginning. Though a Catholic holy day, it is also recognized as a national Italian holiday, with all public offi ces and schools closed. The second most popular day for welcoming in the Christmas season in Italy is the Feast of St. Nicholas (La Festa di San Nicola).