Greeks love Christmas, but they celebrate their own way. The Christmas season in Greece has some unique traditions. Here’s a run down on some of our favorites.
Boats and Trees: A Nautical Twist to the Holidays
While Christmas trees are a global staple, Greece embraces its seafaring roots by decorating miniature wooden boats, or karavakia. This tradition dates back to when families would welcome sailors home by adorning boats with lights and ornaments. Today, both Christmas trees and boats are commonly displayed in homes or on town squares, sometimes even side by side.
The Mischievous Kallikantzari
During the 12 days of Christmas, folklore warns of the kallikantzari—mischievous little goblins who emerge from the earth’s core to wreak playful havoc. They slip into homes through chimneys or keyholes, playing pranks and causing chaos. Families keep fireplaces burning and doors sealed to ward them off. On the Feast of the Epiphany, priests bless homes with holy water, driving the goblins back underground until next year.
Children Sing the Kalanta
Greek children take center stage on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and the Eve of the Epiphany, singing traditional carols known as kalanta. Armed with musical instruments and ringing triangles, they go door to door in their neighborhoods, singing traditional songs. In return, they receive sweets, small gifts, or coins from their neighbors.
Cookies Take Over the Season
Most Greek households transform into bakeries during the holidays, producing an abundance of traditional sweets. Melomakarona (honey-soaked semolina cookies) and kourabiedes (almond cookies dusted with powdered sugar) become irresistible staples, offered generously to guests and neighbors as a gesture of hospitality
Christopsomo: The Bread of Christ
Another delicious holiday treat, Christopsomo (Bread of Christ) is a sweet, aromatic bread traditionally blessed by the head of the household before being shared.
Gifts Wait for Agios Vasilis
In Greece, the presents are traditionally unwrapped on January 1, rather than Christmas Day. Children eagerly await gifts from Agios Vasilis, the Greek Santa Claus, as families celebrate this special occasion marking the New Year.
