Christmas in Greece

Spiridoula Poulimenou

Carols• On 25th December, children wake up early and

knock the doors saying: ‘’Can we tell them?(the carols)’’Then the home owner opens the door and gives them money or sweets.

Christmas Tree• Many years ago, Greeks used to decorate a

boat, because Greece is a country which has a lot of beaches and sailors.

• But, nowadays, Greeks decorate beautiful Christmas trees, with red balls and a star at the top of the tree.

Santa Claus• Before Christmas children write a letter to Santa

Claus saying what they need for this year. At the midnight of New Year’s Day, Santa Claus is believed to climb down the chimneys and leave some presents for the good children. For the bad children, he leaves coal.

Christmas Sweets

• The traditional Christmas Sweets are kourabiedes, melomakarona and diples. Every housewife cooks them at Christmas and everybody loves them!

• On New Year’s Eve, Greeks also ‘’Cut the Vasilopita’’: When all family meets at home, they celebrate and cut and share a cake called Vasilopita.

Kalikatzaroi• During the twelve days of Christmas, between 25th December

and Epiphany on January 6th dangerous creatures called Kalikatzaroi , are believed to put some people in trouble! So, many Greeks try to dismiss them by drawing the Christian Cross.