Greek Christmas Celebrations: A Season of Tradition and Joy
Christmas in Greece is a magical time that blends ancient traditions with Orthodox Christian customs, creating a celebration distinctly different from Western Europe. Understanding these traditions will help you fully appreciate and participate in the festive season.
The Christmas Season Timeline
Unlike many Western countries where Christmas celebrations end on December 25th, the Greek Christmas season spans 40 days, beginning November 15th (the Advent fast) and culminating January 6th with Epiphany (Θεοφάνεια – Theofania). The most intense celebration period runs from Christmas Eve through Epiphany, known as the “Dodekaemero” (Δωδεκαήμερο – Twelve Days).
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Christmas Eve (Παραμονή Χριστουγέννων – Paramoni Hristougennon) is when the real celebration begins. Children traditionally go door-to-door singing “kalanda” (κάλαντα) – Christmas carols – early in the morning, carrying small metal triangles and drums. It’s customary to give them small amounts of money or sweets as thanks.
The main family meal happens after midnight liturgy on Christmas Eve, not on Christmas Day itself. This reflects the Orthodox tradition of celebrating feast days from the evening before. The meal breaks the 40-day fast, so it features meat prominently – typically roasted pork (γουρουνοπούλα – gurunopula) or turkey, along with “Christopsomo” (Χριστόψωμο – Christ’s bread), a special decorated bread made only at Christmas.
Traditional Christmas Foods
Greek Christmas sweets are legendary and quite distinct from Western treats:
· Melomakarona (Μελομακάρονα) – Oval honey cookies soaked in syrup and topped with crushed walnuts
· Kourabiedes (Κουραμπιέδες) – Buttery almond cookies dusted generously with powdered sugar
· Christopsomo (Χριστόψωμο) – Sweet bread decorated with dough crosses and walnuts
· Diples (Δίπλες) – Thin fried pastry rolled and drizzled with honey and cinnamon
Local bakeries begin producing these sweets in early December, and many families prepare melomakarona at home using recipes passed down through generations.
New Year’s Eve – The Main Gift-Giving Day
Surprisingly to many visitors, Greeks traditionally exchange gifts on New Year’s Eve (Παραμονή Πρωτοχρονιάς – Paramoni Protohronias) or New Year’s Day, not Christmas. This is when “Agios Vasilis” (Άγιος Βασίλης – Saint Basil, the Greek Santa Claus) brings presents to children.
The centerpiece of New Year’s celebration is the “Vasilopita” (Βασιλόπιτα – Basil’s pie), a special cake with a coin baked inside. At midnight, the head of household cuts the cake, dedicating the first slice to Christ, the second to the house, and then to family members in order of age. Whoever finds the coin in their slice will have good luck for the entire year.
Epiphany – The Grand Finale
The Christmas season culminates on January 6th with Epiphany (Θεοφάνεια or Φώτα – Fota, meaning “Lights”), celebrating the baptism of Christ. This day features one of Greece’s most dramatic traditions: the “Blessing of the Waters.”
A priest throws a cross into the sea (or river), and young men dive in to retrieve it, even in winter’s cold water. The one who recovers the cross receives a special blessing and is said to have good fortune for the year. In coastal towns like Paralio Astros, this ceremony takes place at the harbor and is one of the community’s most important annual events.
The Kallikantzaroi – Christmas Goblins
A unique and charming Greek Christmas tradition involves the “kallikantzari” (καλλικάντζαροι) – mischievous goblins who emerge from the underworld during the Twelve Days of Christmas. According to folklore, these creatures cause minor havoc in homes – souring milk, putting out fires, and generally creating chaos.
Traditional protections include keeping a fire burning continuously, hanging a pig’s jawbone behind the door, leaving a colander outside (the kallikantzari will be compelled to count its holes until sunrise), or marking doors with crosses. While most Greeks today view this as folklore, you’ll still see these traditions observed, especially in rural areas.
Christmas Decorations
Greek Christmas decorations blend traditional and modern elements. While Christmas trees have become popular (especially in cities), the traditional decoration is a wooden boat decorated with lights, reflecting Greece’s maritime heritage. In coastal towns, you’ll see both boats and trees in shop windows and homes.
Christmas Carols (Kalanda)
The tradition of “kalanda” (κάλαντα) involves children going door-to-door on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Epiphany Eve, singing traditional carols while playing triangles and drums. The carols are ancient, with different versions for each of the three days.
When children arrive at your door, the proper response is to listen to the complete song, then give them coins or sweets. Children typically start caroling around 9:00 AM on these special mornings. Have small coins ready – €1-2 per group is customary.
Useful Christmas Phrases
· “Kala Hristougenna” (Καλά Χριστούγεννα) = Merry Christmas
· “Kali Hronia” (Καλή Χρονιά) = Happy New Year
· “Hronia Polla” (Χρόνια Πολλά) = Many years (general festive greeting)
· “Kales giortes” (Καλές γιορτές) = Happy holidays
· “Poo boro na aghoraso melomakarona?” (Πού μπορώ να αγοράσω μελομακάρονα;) = Where can I buy melomakarona?
· “Tha pate stin ekklisia?” (Θα πάτε στην εκκλησία;) = Will you go to church?
Practical Tips for Visitors
Business Hours: Many shops and services close for several days around Christmas and New Year’s. Stock up on essentials before December 24th. Most restaurants and cafés remain open but may have reduced hours.
Attending Church: Christmas liturgies are open to all. The midnight service on Christmas Eve is the most atmospheric. Dress modestly and arrive early – churches fill up quickly.
Gift-Giving: If invited to a Greek home during the holidays, bring sweets (preferably not Christmas sweets, as they’ll have plenty), wine, or a small gift from your home country.
Final Tip: Learn to make at least one traditional sweet – it’s a conversation starter and a way to show respect for local traditions. The recipes might seem complicated, but locals are always happy to teach, and the process of making them together is as important as the final product.
Kala Hristugenna kai Kali Hronia! (Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Καλή Χρονιά – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!)