Christmas in Greece is a deeply spiritual and festive occasion, blending the sacred traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church with age-old cultural customs.
Celebrations are marked by a strong sense of family, community, and hospitality, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the country.
Here's an overview of how Greeks typically celebrate this cherished holiday season.
The Advent Period: Spiritual Preparation
The Christmas season in Greece officially begins on 15th November with the Advent fast, a 40-day period of spiritual reflection and preparation. This fast, observed by devout Orthodox Christians, involves abstaining from meat, dairy, and certain other foods, culminating in a celebratory feast on Christmas Day. Churches across Greece hold special liturgies during this time, with carols and prayers setting a reverent tone.
Decorations: Nautical Themes and Traditional Touches
While Christmas trees have become increasingly popular in Greece, particularly in urban areas, a more traditional decoration is the karavaki—a small wooden boat adorned with lights. This nautical symbol reflects Greece's close ties to the sea and serves as a nod to the nation's seafaring heritage.
Homes and public squares are illuminated with lights, and kanelonia (cinnamon) and pine scents fill the air, creating a warm festive ambience.
Christmas Eve: Carolling and Community Spirit
Christmas Eve in Greece is characterised by the sound of children singing kalanda (traditional carols) from door to door. Accompanied by small triangles or tambourines, their joyful tunes recount the Nativity story. In return, they are often rewarded with small treats or money.
Families also gather to prepare for the big day, baking traditional sweets such as kourabiedes (buttery almond cookies dusted with icing sugar) and melomakarona (spiced honey biscuits). These desserts are an essential part of the festive table.
Christmas Day: Faith and Feasting
On Christmas morning, families attend the Divine Liturgy, a solemn service celebrating the birth of Christ. Churches are beautifully adorned, and hymns fill the air as worshippers partake in the Eucharist.
After church, the focus shifts to the family feast. The Christmas table typically features roasted pork or lamb, complemented by seasonal vegetables, cheeses, and a variety of pies. The star of the meal is often christopsomo or "Christ’s bread," a sweet bread decorated with a cross or intricate patterns symbolising prosperity and protection.
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Extending the Celebration
In Greece, Christmas is not confined to a single day. The festivities continue until Epiphany on 6th January. Known as the Dodekaimero (Twelve Days), this period is rich in traditions, including the blessing of waters. On Epiphany, priests perform the Agiasmos ritual, casting a cross into the sea or rivers to purify the waters, with brave swimmers diving in to retrieve it for good fortune.
Mythology and Folklore: The Mischievous Kallikantzaroi
A uniquely Greek Christmas tradition is the tale of the Kallikantzaroi—mischievous goblin-like creatures believed to emerge during the Twelve Days of Christmas. According to folklore, they disrupt households by playing pranks, only to be banished back underground after Epiphany. To ward them off, families may burn incense or keep a log burning in the fireplace.
A Modern Twist
While Greece holds steadfast to its traditions, contemporary influences have added new dimensions to the celebration. Santa Claus, or Ai Vasilis, is revered not on Christmas but on New Year’s Day, aligning with the feast day of Saint Basil. This is when children receive their gifts, highlighting the festive spirit's continuation into the new year.
Conclusion
Christmas in Greece is a time of joy, faith, and unity. It is a celebration deeply rooted in Orthodox Christian traditions while embracing the warmth of familial and community bonds. Whether it's the glow of a decorated karavaki, the taste of a freshly baked melomakarono, or the sound of kalanda echoing through the streets, Greek Christmas offers an enchanting blend of the sacred and the festive, capturing the heart of the holiday season.
For those seeking a unique cultural experience during the Christmas period, Greece is a destination where history, spirituality, and hospitality converge in the most magical way.