In three days’ time, it will be Christmas Eve. And for most of us, it is probably going to be the strangest Christmas ever. After the news about the strict measures in the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom was widely reported in the Italian media, the Italians were impatiently awaiting the verdict that Prime Minister Conte would announce for them. On Friday evening, the word finally came out: it is going to be a red Christmas this year. Zona rossa. For almost two months already, the colour system – each region is either yellow, orange or red – has been dictating life in Italy. On the 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th of December, the colour code red will apply throughout the whole of Italy. A lockdown nazionale. Together with the verdict the Italian government immediately stated what this actually means: one can’t go anywhere if not for urgent reasons, and literally everything remains closed. And that’s how red has suddenly become a symbol of everything that is no longer allowed, staying inside and not being able to see your dear family and friends.
I think I have no less than ten red dresses in my closet. After all, red is the colour of passion, love and zest for life
At the same time, red is my favourite colour. It always has been and always will be. I think I have no less than ten red dresses in my closet. After all, red is the colour of passion, love and zest for life. So even though the colour red may represent bad news in this crazy year 2020, let red not be the colour of fear. Let everything that is red this Christmas remind you that the holiday spirit cannot be crippled by any fear of a virus.
Let red be the colour of the ribbon around the panettone
Let it be the colour of beautifully manicured nails
Let red be the colour of cranberry sauce
And of the wine that flows abundantly
Let red be the colour of Santa Clause’s suit
Let it be the colour of your nonna’s rosary beads
Let red be the colour of the glossy wrapping paper
And of Rudolph’s nose on your ugly Christmas jumper
Let red be the colour of the lipstick that leaves a print on the little coffee cup
Let it be the colour of the dozens of balls in your Christmas tree
Let red be the colour of your underwear, according to Italian tradition
And of a small glass of port you take with some cheese
Let red be the colour of your cheeks after sitting close to the fireplace
Let it be the colour for that endless stream of sweet WhatsApp messages from friends
Let red be the colour of the heart woman with whom you win the card game
And of the large bouquet of roses someone spontaneously gifted you
Let red be the colour of your pen with which you scribble hearts on Christmas cards
Let it be the colour of the fourth Advent candle you light
Let red be the colour of your new warm pyjamas
And of that famous N from Netflix when you’re about to watch another masterpiece of a film
But above all, let red be the colour of love, no matter in what form love is shaped.
I wish you a very merry, loving and little Christmas. Because if this year has taught us anything, it is that more than ever before, the little things in life are actually the biggest things. Just like putting on a red dress for Christmas. Buon Natale a tutti!