Another interesting tradition that I've only recently found out during my italian lessons is that in Italy, along with Babbo Natale (Father Christmas - Santa Claus/St. Nikolas) at Christmas, la Befana also visits children on the night of 5 - 6 January, Epiphany Eve.

She is a witch‑like old woman from Italian folklore and flies on a broom, slips down chimneys, fills stockings with small toys, sweets and fruit for the good, and leaves coal (now usually black candy) for the naughty.

According to the most common legend, the Magi invited her to join their journey to see the Christ Child. She refused, then regretted it and now wanders each year leaving gifts for children while searching for him.

The name Befana comes from a popular corruption of Epifania (greek: επιφάνεια), the Italian word for Epiphany (Θεοφάνια), though some scholars connect it to Roman New Year gift customs linked to the goddess Strenia/Bastrina.