Merry Christmas from Kids Love Greece

Merry Christmas from Kids Love Greece

    It’s not quite Christmas yet, but as it’s the last Friday before the big event, we thought we’d wish you all a Merry Christmas anyway! How will you be celebrating this year?

    Christmas is finally almost upon us, and as we start to tidy away the desk at Kids Love Greece and plan to spend time with our families, we thought we’d share with you a few things you might not know about how Christmas is celebrated in Greece.

    Christmas in Greece

    The main difference that visitors notice when in Greece during the holiday period, is that Christmas seems to be a much more low-key event than in other parts of the world, and certainly the United States. Of course, there are Christmas Trees in public places, and Christmas lights may be up in the cities, but even so, it is a much more subdued affair. As one of our clients said ‘It’s nowhere near as full-on!”.

    Christmas tree in Athens

    Christmas Treats

    Another difference between Christmas in Greece and in other parts of the world, is in the Christmas treats. Melomakarona and Kourambiedes are two examples of traditional Christmas sweets, and you can find them literally everywhere over the Christmas period. They look nice, don’t they?!

    Christmas Carols

    Whilst in the main cities such as Athens you may see Christmas Carol singers on the streets on the week leading up to Christmas Day, it’s Christmas Eve which is the big day for carol singers. There’s a whole tradition behind it, which sees kids visit houses in their neighbourhoods, ringing a triangle, and singing traditional songs. As they go from house to house, they will collect sweets and other treats as a reward for their efforts. What types of songs do they sing? Take a look at the video below which gives a great taste of Christmas in Greece.

    Exchanging presents

    Perhaps the biggest difference between Christmas in Greece and in other parts of the world though, is the day on which Christmas presents are exchanged. For many people, this is on the 25th or Christmas Day. In Greece though, it is traditional to exchange gifts on January the 1st. This is to honour St. Basil who gave away all his possession to the needy. As with many things though, traditions change over time, and so some Greeks may give presents on Christmas day instead. Really lucky kids might receive gifts on both Christmas and New Year’s Day!

    Christmas Meal

    Finally, we have the big family meal on Christmas Day. Whilst turkey is starting to feature on some tables during Christmas in Greece, pork and lamb are still firm favourites, accompanied by a seemingly endless selection of side dishes which include potatoes, salads and pies. Orthodox Christians who may have been fasting are now free to eat anything they want, and the entire family enjoys their Christmas Day meal together. It’s a very Merry Christmas!

    Things to do with the family during Christmas and New Year in Athens kidslovegreece top selections chlidren kids activities tours Greece family friendly sightseeing

    If you would like to find out more about planning a family vacation in Greece, contact the Kids Love Greece team. We’d love to plan your next Greek vacation, whether you are looking at some summer sun or are thinking ahead to spend next Christmas in Greece!

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