Buon Natale! 

Some people may know that’s the Italian phrase for “Merry Christmas.” Others may think it’s a Nat King Cole song from 1959. On Wednesday, the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, which has Italian roots, was held in Manhattan. Another Christmas tradition is the legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli’s annual Christmas season performances at Madison Square Garden. People are familiar with these Christmas cultural relics, but, other than Bocelli, not as many recognize their connection to Italian American heritage.

These are just some of the many influences Italian Americans have had on Christmas celebrations in the United States. It’s a history and heritage preserved and advanced by the National Italian American Foundation. And this Christmas season, the organization deserves recognition for its efforts to promote these cultural legacies and many others. This is especially true as the........

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