Step into the shoes of Santa Lucia for a day to see the magic in the eyes of Dalmine's children
This 2020 is coming to an end, a year that was a bit out of the box but taught one fundamental thing: the value of small gestures.
December has always been a magical month: lights, candles, Christmas decorations and the warmth of family. For the people of Bergamo and other parts of Italy, the month also brings with it a special anniversary: Santa Lucia, a symbol of light and goodness towards others. In fact, Lucia's mission was to bring food and help to the less fortunate.
Santa Lucia safely for a moment of shared happiness.
I remember as if it were yesterday the excitement I felt every year watching Saint Lucia pass through the streets of the village and the races in the streets to reach her. This was a very hard year not only for the adults, but also for the little ones who found themselves isolated from friends and relatives for a good part of the year. They are little warriors and it was right not to take this moment of happiness away from them.
If the children cannot run to Santa Lucia, there is nothing to stop her from visiting them armed with all the safety devices. So it was that we at Spa Hotel Parigi 2 asked permission from the Municipality of Dalmine and the help of the Lions Club Città di Dalmine to visit the children with mobility difficulties to wish them a special good morning and to organise a small snack by appointment in the afternoon. We wanted it to be a moment of magic and safe sharing as well as charity. The funds were donated by the Lions Club Città di Dalmine and a large part of them was given to families with difficulties in the form of shopping vouchers or meal vouchers.
In a few days, accompanied by enthusiasm, we bought gifts, sweets and organised snacks.
The emotion in the children's eyes, the greatest joy.
On the morning of 13 December, I stepped into the shoes of Santa Lucia and with my faithful driver, armed with a list provided by the Children's Council, we went house to house to wish a sweet good morning. So it was that the sound of the bell marking the arrival of Saint Lucy was accompanied by shouts of joy from the children and a unique light in their eyes. Covered in jackets and hats, they came down to the front door to greet St Lucy in disguise and to receive their gift again. There were those walking down the street who stopped jumping for joy and those who called out from their balconies. Needless to say, Santa Lucia got very excited at the sound of the children's voices calling her with affection.
An afternoon of smiles and snacks.
Once the house tour was over, the day continued in the warmth of the main hall of Hotel Parigi 2 for a snack with Santa Lucia. The Tresoldi bakery in Bergamo provided us with handmade chocolate panettone and pandoro for a sweet moment. For everyone's safety, every child who expressed a wish to chat with Santa Lucia made an appointment. We could sum up Santa Lucia's visit to the children with wonder and joy. Big eyes, wide-open mouths slowly widening into big smiles.
Once the gift had been delivered, it was time for a snack sitting comfortably at the big table to keep the distance in the company of mum and dad. Here the children would start asking curious questions such as:
- Why don't you have your pockets sewn shut?
- Does your donkey wear a mask like you? Did you know he soiled the house with hay and dirt?
- Are you a technological Saint? You gave me playstation accessories!
- Saint Lucia, I must scold you! Why didn't you bring me a T-Rex? I only have four!
- Santa Lucia but what do you do during the year?
- Do you talk to Father Christmas?
- But you tonight, do you sleep?
Before giving way to the next child, the last question: "Santa Lucia, see you next year?" followed by a big "Thank you!" and a souvenir photo.
Dear children, this time it is I who must say a sincere and joy-filled thank you to you for making us live the most magical day of this 2020 and bringing so much spontaneous happiness.
Thanks to the Municipality of Dalmine for the authorisation and to the Lions Club Città di Dalmine for the support. It is indeed true that union is strength, and in these moments we are even more convinced of this.
Thank you!
Saint Lucia for a day
