Christmas Celebration in Greece

Christmas in Greece is a joyous occasion marked by a blend of religious traditions and festive customs. Here's a glimpse into the Greek Christmas celebration:

Advent Season and St. Nicholas

• St. Nicholas Day (December 6th): The Christmas season begins with the celebration of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and children. Gifts are exchanged, and children leave their shoes out to be filled with treats.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

• Christmas Eve (December 24th):

  • Orthros Service: A special midnight church service is held, where attendees light candles and bring them home to bless their homes.
  • Family Dinner: A traditional, meat-free meal is shared with family, often featuring fish dishes and vegetarian options.

• Christmas Day (December 25th):

  • Divine Liturgy: Church services are held to commemorate the birth of Christ.
  • Family Gatherings: Families continue to celebrate with festive meals and gift-giving.

Unique Greek Christmas Traditions

• Kalikantzari: Mythical creatures believed to emerge during the 12 days of Christmas. To ward them off, people keep their hearths burning and sprinkle holy water around their homes.
• Christmas Boat: In coastal regions, decorated boats are displayed to honor the maritime heritage.
• Christmas Carols: Groups of carolers, often children, go door-to-door singing traditional Christmas carols.
• Vasilopita: A special New Year's Day cake with a hidden coin. The person who finds the coin is believed to have good luck for the coming year.

Modern Celebrations

In recent years, Greek Christmas celebrations have become more elaborate, with:

• Christmas Decorations: Homes and public spaces are adorned with lights, ornaments, and Christmas trees.
• Christmas Markets: Festive markets offer a variety of goods, from traditional crafts to holiday treats.
• New Year's Celebrations: New Year's Eve is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and the exchange of gifts.

A Blend of Old and New

While traditional customs continue to be cherished, Greek Christmas celebrations have also embraced modern influences. The festive spirit, however, remains rooted in family, faith, and the joy of the season.