St Nicholas in ancient Persia was the
first: he gave a dowry to three poor maidens so that they could marry. Thus was
born a legend and a custom that took on various names, such as Santa Claus in
the Nordic countries, until Father Christmas, the magical character with the
white beard dressed in red who builds toys at the North Pole, travels on a
flying sleigh pulled by reindeer and in a single night descends from chimneys
all over the world to bring gifts to good children and coal to bad ones.
Those who do not believe in Father
Christmas assert that there is no toy factory at the North Pole, that reindeer
do not fly, and that it is not possible for one person to descend millions of
chimneys at the same time, even taking the time difference into account.
Those who believe in Father Christmas
explain the mystery with incontrovertible logic: Father Christmas is a magical
person and as such, by definition, is able to multiply himself especially on
Christmas night into millions of mothers and fathers, husbands and wives,
fiancés and fiancées, grandparents, friends, benefactors, colleagues,
neighbours and distant relatives.
These Santas do not need sleighs because
they have subways, buses, trains, cars, parcel post and bicycles and, as for
the gift factory, they all find it close to home or with a phone call or an
email or a click.
Those
who choose a handicraft product, especially in times like these, find objects
that are unique by definition, personalised because they are dedicated to loved
ones, and affordable (also for ethical reasons). Looking in an artisan
workshop, either physically or virtually as on the Youliguria.it platform
therefore makes all the difference, it becomes a distinctive character of
style, love and good taste to celebrate Christmas.
Wander around shops and small markets,
follow our blog, browse through images of 'Artisans in Liguria', working in all
sectors and for all tastes. If you search with curiosity and patience ... the
reindeer sleigh will come!
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year!
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