Mother and Child

Panagia Tourliani Monastery

Mykonos, Greece 

Christmas in Greece 

In Greece, there are many Christmas customs that are similar, yet slightly different from the West. Such as the custom on Christmas Eve where village children travel from house to house offering good wishes and singing kalanda, the equivalent of Christmas carols.  

The Christmas feast itself becomes the main attraction by both adults and children alike. Lamb and pork are roasted in ovens and open spits, and on almost every table are loaves of christopsomo (Christ bread). 

In Greek homes, Christmas trees are not commonly used, but recently have become more popular. In almost every house though, the main symbol of the season is a shallow wooden bowl with a suspended sprig of basil wrapped around a wooden cross. This ritual is believed to keep the Killantzaroi (bad spirits) away.

Wishing You a Holiday Season Filled

with Joy and Happiness

Diana and Dick Gough