Giuseppe’s Stories: Christmas and New Year’s Day Christmas memories are special. Christmas on “Pucci Street evokes the scent of pine and burning candles. Many, many candles. Our church had a special alcove filled with greenery, candlelight, poinsettia, and Nativity Scene figurines. At the foot of the altar an empty manger awaits the Christ child. One trip to visit the church during the Christmas season was never enough. Oh there was so much anticipation and excitement in the air. It was a time of secrets, hints, wishes, and good food. On Christmas Eve the children opened presents and “portrait” photos were taken. Here are a couple. On the left, Ceil and Sheila. On the right George, Gloria, Ann Marie, and Mary Kay, circa 1949. (Photos taken and film developed by Vito, I think.) The Christmas Eves of my childhood: When I was a child–before Vatican Two–you were not allowed to eat meat on Chr...