How we celebrate Christmas in Greece!
Kalikantzari
During the 12-day period from Christmas Day until the Epiphany, it is said that hobgoblins called ”kallikántzari” (friendly but troublesome little creatures which look like elves.) visit households. The Kallikantzari live deep down inside the earth and come to the surface only during this time, slipping down chimneys and playing pranks on people.
Throughout Greece, there are various customs and rituals performed to keep these “elves” away. Fireplaces are kept alight to prevent them from entering the houses through chimneys. They disappear on the day of the Epiphany when the waters are blessed, and they return to the earth’s core.
Christmas Trees & Boats
The decoration of the Christmas tree was not originally a Greek tradition. It is said that the Bavarian King Otto decorated the first Christmas tree in 1883. Due to the fact that Greece had a sizeable maritime identity and they were known as a seafaring nation, wooden boats are also decorated to welcome the sailors home for Christmas. Today, both boats and trees are equally popular and adorned.
Christmas boat.
Christmas in Greece – a highly decorated boat signifies the importance of shipping.
Christmas Meal
On Christmas Day, tables are set with foods that have become tradition, passed from generation to generation. Pork or Lamb roasts served with potatoes and vegetables are a popular main course, followed by the traditional “Kourabiedes” (almond cookies coated with icing sugar) and Melomakarona (honey-soaked semolina cookies). Of course, this is all accompanied by a variety of good Greek wines!
Holiday Carols
Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and the Eve of the Epiphany, you’ll find Greek children out caroling singing “the Kalanda.” They go from household to household, singing and playing musical instruments and beating triangles. Houses open their doors, listen to the Kalanda and offer the children small amounts of money.
