<BR>For her 75th birthday, at her request, I'm taking my mother to Rome on 12/24 - 12/26. <BR> <BR>I have visions of the city being completely closed down with the two of us having nothing to do except going to mass - perhaps quite a few masses! <BR> <BR>Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR>CV Dunson <BR>

Your visions, sorry to say, are about on the mark. In Europe, and certainly Rome, both Christmas Day and the following day are full-blown holidays. <BR> <BR>Since the 26th is on a Sunday I believe the 'day after' holiday will likely be celebrated on Monday the 27th. <BR> <BR>I'd go a few days earlier or later, though I believe the city may well be a bit more filled than usual in advance of the 2000 New Year.

My understanding is that the Catholic Jubilee actually begins before Christmas, and goes through the year 2000. The Holy Door into St Peter's (which has been bricked up for the last 25 years) will be opened on Christmas eve, and they are expecting hordes of Pilgrims to go to the event. <BR> <BR>I suggest you book your hotel very, very soon. <BR> <BR>A couple web sites might help... www.romeguide.it, and www.inforoma.it.

Beth - thank you for your recommendations regarding websites. I'm considering using one of the guide services given the challenges of being in Rome for Christmas. Also, we already have hotel and flights so we're committed to this trip. Now it's a matter of "what to do" while we're there. cvdunson <BR>

Even though monuments such as the Forum and the Colisseum will almost certainly be closed, you can still see them just by walking around. Lots of Rome is out there for viewing--the fountains, the piazzas, the monuments. Pray for nice weather (which is entirely possible, even in December). If your mother is not up to lots of walking, it would probably be possible even to drive, since there won't be nearly as much traffic as usual, except around the Vatican. Public transportation will probably be running on a limited schedule. Christmas Eve is definitely when the Pope opens the Holy Door. If you are Catholic, talk to your bishop ahead of time to see whether there's any ticket system or some way to get in, but don't count on it. I suppose some restaurants will be open, but you won't have a huge selection!

For advice on what to do in Rome, go to www.scalareale.com. It's a walking tour service run by an American professor living in Rome. Once you access the web site, you can email him (Tom Rankin)directly with your questions. I've been doing this and find him and his staff very friendly and responsive. <BR> <BR>I urge you to do this, I think it will put your mind at ease.