Christmas in Greece is not so elaborate as compared to Easter. Today, Christmas in Greece is celebrated with lavish decorations. Light strings are put across the streets of major cities and towns. The largest Christmas tree in Europe is in Athens.
This is because the Athens mayor, Dimitris Avramopoulos has added a new
dimension to the festivities. This tree can be seen towering above busy Syntagma (Constitution square), where Athens hosts exciting 'live' stage acts and shows featuring many of Greece's popular entertainers.
Christmas in Greece go back to the time of St. Nicholas, who was known as the patron saint of sailors. According to Greek legend, he rescues drowning men and sinking ships. Even today there is still an old custom where many ships never leave port without a St. Nicholas icon carried in the boat. Christmas in Greece has the custom of singing "Kalanda" on Christmas Eve. This is the same as Christmas carols. In Greek Christmas, the Christmas dinner is a detailed affair. Lamb and pork are roasted in ovens and open spits, and on almost every table are loaves of 'christopsomo' (Christ bread). This bread is usually made in large sweet loaves of various shapes and the crusts are engraved and decorated in some way that reflects the family's profession.
In Christmas in Greece, in earlier times, the Christmas tree was not commonly used though it is popular now. A small sprig of basil wrapped round a wooden cross in a shallow wooden bowl is used. Water is sprinkled to keep the basil fresh which also has to be dipped in Holy water each day. This ritual is believed to keep the Killantzaroi (bad spirits) away. Gifts are exchanged on St. Basil's Day. Know more from
Christmas Carnivals.
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