It is entirely decorated with colored paper, gilt pine cones, and miniature colored pennants. Small candles are fastened to the tapering sides. A star or small doll is hung at the apex of the triangular sides. The shelves above the manger scene have small gifts of fruit,candy, and presents. The ceppo is in the old Tree of Light tradition which became the Christmas tree in other countries.
Some houses even have a ceppo for each child in the family.
From the Castle of Saint Angelo in Rome a cannon is fired to proclaim the opening of the Holy Season. Each tries to outdo the other by displaying the biggest presepio . Children in Italy hang up their stockings on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6. They celebrate the visit of the Three Kings to Bethlehem. Instead of Santa Claus, children are expecting Befana .