In Italy, holiday traditions are deeply intertwined with drinks culture, intersecting as a means of connection and sharing. “Many Italians live outside their hometown for work and return for the holidays, so getting together for drinks before or after big family meals is a daily ritual,” says author and Italian culture expert Katie Parla. Although food and drink are a regular focal point of Italian culture, during the holidays, they truly take center stage.

Gathering around abundance is the reason for the season. “The monthlong festivities start with shopping for seasonal foods, like panettone, which is given as gifts when visiting friends and family,” says Parla, noting that the most widely observed winter holidays—December 24, called Vigilia di Natale, and Christmas Day—are generally spent with family and capped with an outing for drinks and card-playing with friends.