Christmas in Milan

In case you couldn't tell from all the Christmas related photos on my Instagram Recap post, I LOVE CHRISTMAS! It's my favorite holiday - it's just so festive and joyful! I'm always the one to get the Christmas ball rolling at home by forcing everyone to participate in decorating the house the day after Thanksgiving. I can only imagine what barren, garland-less state it must be in without my presence.

I am rather sad I'm not in my own cozy home decked out with Christmas things, but Milan's festive sights are making up for it. The city started to get dressed up in November and it is now in full Christmas mode!

Window displays are always chic and beautiful here in Italy's fashion capital, but now they're wonderfully over the top with Christmas flair!

Via Dante, the pedestrian-only street connecting Piazza del Duomo and Castello Sforzesca, has been draped with massive ornaments and glittering lights.

And then there's the Duomo and its enormous tree...

Right behind the Duomo is a big Christmas market.

Tents sell everything from kitschy decorations, hats, gloves, and scarves...

...to various cheeses, olives, and meats...

...dried and candied fruits, and amazing smelling pastries and breads!

Everything is alive and buzzing with the Christmas spirit! Including me, obviously! I've punctuated every sentence with an exclamation mark! I can't even write this post with any of my usual sarcastic remarks because I'm so full of holiday love! Joy to the world! Peace on earth! Goodwill to men! And women and children, because this is 2013, people.

Ah, there. Christmas can't hide all my cynicism. But really, happy holidays to everyone back at home!