Here we find ourselves, once again, in the midst of another holiday season. Whether your celebration is Hanukah or Christmas, Kwanzaa or none at all, it’s undeniably that time of year that people yearn for the slower pace that a well deserved day off (or five) can bring. (Whether we get that slow down is another story!) I know as each year passes, we find ourselves becoming more busy, in between company holiday parties and the kids Christmas musicals, hustling to get that last minute gift, inside most of us, our heart still longs for the speed of a quiet holiday season.
My grandfather came over on the boat from Italy, I can go on and on about how valuable growing up in an Italian family has been, how it’s instilled in me the strong sense of coming together (whether with family or friends) and sharing a meal together . It’s been my favorite memories, sitting around a table with those I love, eating copious amounts of bread and pasta. Especially around the holidays.
As a little girl, my grandfather taught me a phrase that sort of encapsulates what how he lived his life, and talked about how I should bring this type of Italian living into my own, holidays or not.
La Passeggiata. It means ‘to stroll’.
Just read this little snippet of what La Passeggiata looks and sounds like on a typical Italian Afternoon… “As day softens into dusk in Italy, something in the air seems to tug people from their homes and workplaces to participate in one of the enduring traditions of Italian life: la passeggiata. This evening promenade (stroll), generally between 5 and 8 PM, occurs in virtually every town, village, or big city in Italy. – Dianne Hales, Becoming Italian
This word has meant so much to me. My Italian family would do just that, stroll, throughout the neighborhood after dinner most evenings, usually in order to digest. Going for a walk with grandpa around the holidays, looking at the houses lit up with lights, has been some of my favorite moments.
That’s why I want to share my tips for an ideal evening for a La Passeggiata in Savannah, this holiday season.
Number One is to SNUGGLE UP. It will not be enjoyable strolling through Savannah if you’re even remotely chilly. I know, it doesn’t get too cold here this time of year, but consider your speed, this isn’t a quick walk, it’s looking at the houses, the cobblestone beneath you, saying hi to a passing stranger… no sense in being ready to leave because your cold, before you even take your first step.
Number Two is to leave your accoutrement behind. Sure, bring your phone because you know you cannot leave home without it, but besides tucking a $40 in your coat, leave everything else behind. This is the kind of experience is best done hands free. *And, better to hold hands with the ones you love too.
Number Three is to look up. Look out. We see people doing this when we are passing by at the fountain at Forsyth, visiting for the first time. They are able to enjoy it, to take it in, even if that means getting the right photo to capture the moment. You can tell a visitor and a resident really quickly. La Passegiata is like enjoying your surroundings like one does as a visitor. Give yourself permission to look around.
Number Four is to connect. If you catch someones eye, say “Good Evening” and be sincere about it. La Passeggiata is about communing and most of us could use a reminder that there is life out there besides completing our To Do list. We’re all aching to connect (and no, not the Facebook kind) and reaching out by sharing a human greeting can be a wonderful holiday reminder of what one of us needs to get through this season.
Last, but never least is to PARTAKE. If you stroll down Broughton and are taken in by the desire for something to warm our insides, why not stop at one of the local favorites to enjoy the best of what they’ve got. Here are three suggestions to stop and enjoy while on La Passeggiata in Savannah:
- Lavender Mocha at The Collins Quarter – They have a walk up side door where you can order your coffee and continue your stroll. A unique and delicious take on a grown up hot chocolate. What better way to warm up your empty hands!
- Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup at Adam Turonis Chocolat – Die hard Chocolate fans will have a hard time just partaking in one or two of these amazing handmade delights. Perfect to savor while strolling through one of our amazing squares.
- As a way of concluding your stroll, your favorite adult beverage in front of the fireplace at Alligator Soul or Planters Tavern at The Olde Pink House or overlooking the River at Vic’s on the River .
Or none of the above. The point is to SLOW DOWN and soak in this amazing city (we live in Savannah ya’ll, where millions of others want to visit!), all lit up and dressed to the nines for the holidays, the way an Italian would, this time of year.
Buon Natale everyone. See you in 2015!
