Is it advisable to spend a week in Italy after Christmas and enjoy New Year? This is a my slow time, work-wise, and I feel an urge coming on to return! Any suggestions?

why not ? weather is not at its best, but you don't have the huge crowds of tourists ... but it really depends what you are looking for

We had a recent thread on spending that week in Italy.

Thank you all for your thoughts, especially to Amy for your pointer to the other thread. Now that I am reading the responses, I realize that I was not specific enough in my inquiry. Wife and I are thinking about returning to Florence for 5 to 7 day trip and enjoy the city.

While maybe not a hugely crowded period for international tourists, the New Year week is a big touristy period for us Italians. Make sur you reserve everything long in advance (especially accomodation) in order to find place.

I visited Venice, Florence, and Rome this last Dec. 27 - Jan. 9. I discussed this in my trip report. I know I was exceptionally lucky, but had no rain other than a few drops the first day. I was fortunate to get excellent deals on all accommodation, but in general I noticed the trend Alice mentioned. High season is listed as something like Dec. 25-Jan. 6 on hotel sites.