It's December and Advent is upon us! With this unofficial kick-off of Christmastime, we discuss the different ways Italians and Americans prepare for the holiday season. And how have Italians ceded some of their native traditions to the global consumerism that has taken over the American Christmas experience?

We also debate contentious topics such as: when is it too early to put up your Christmas decorations? How much of our own holiday preferences are based on the traditions we were taught in childhood? And how do you create traditions in your own home if you are out of town for the holiday?

In the second half of the episode, we discuss Tiffany's conversion to Catholicism. How much does living in a country influence your religious beliefs and customs? Sometimes it's just easier to assimilate, but is that the right thing to do?

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