La Befana has always held a special place in the hearts of Italian and Italian American families. Every year, on the Eve of the Epiphany, children wait for the gentle “Christmas Good Witch” who flies through the night sky with her broom, following the path of the bright Christmas star. She searches for the Christ Child and brings simple gifts to children along the way. It is one of the oldest and warmest holiday traditions passed down through generations.
In our home, La Befana has always been more than a story. She represents kindness, humility, and the idea that even the smallest acts of giving can bring great joy. Whether you grew up hearing this legend from your nonna or you are introducing it to your own children for the first time, the story of La Befana is a wonderful way to celebrate culture, faith, and the magic of Epiphany.
About the Legend of La Befana
According to tradition, the Three Wise Men passed by the home of an elderly woman who was known for keeping a very tidy house. They asked if she knew the way to Bethlehem and invited her to join their journey to meet the newborn Christ Child. At first, La Befana said she was too busy. But later that night, she changed her mind. She swept her home one last time, baked cookies, made a small doll, and set out to catch up with them. She searched and searched, but she never found the Wise Men.
To this day, the story says that La Befana continues her journey each Epiphany Eve. She brings small gifts, cookies, fruit, or treats to children, because any one of them might be the Christ Child she missed long ago.
A La Befana Workbook for Kids
To help parents and teachers share this beautiful tradition, I created a La Befana Story and Activity Workbook filled with child-friendly reading passages and engaging activities. It is perfect for classrooms, homeschools, heritage lessons, or simple family holiday fun.
Inside the workbook you will find:
- A gentle retelling of the La Befana legend
- Story sequencing activity
- Fill-in-the-blank comprehension page
- Italian vocabulary matching
- Spot-the-differences worksheet
- Coloring page featuring La Befana and the Christmas star
- Answer key included
If you are looking for a meaningful way to share Italian tradition with children, or if you simply want a unique activity for January 6, this workbook is a warm and simple way to bring La Befana to life.
You can find the full La Befana Workbook on my Teachers Pay Teachers store:
Click here to view the La Befana Workbook on TPT
Wishing you and your family a beautiful Epiphany and a magical visit from La Befana.
