Holiday Traditions of Greece

"Merry Christmas"

Holiday Traditions in Greece

The Christmas season in Greece spans twelve days, beginning on December 25th (Christmas) and ending on January 6th (Epiphany). This period is filled with unique traditions that blend ancient customs with Christian celebrations.

Kalandas: Greek Christmas Carols

One of the most beloved Greek Christmas traditions is the singing of kalandas (or kalantas), Christmas carols. Children go door-to-door singing songs and playing instruments like triangles, drums, lyres, and guitars. If their performance is well received, they are rewarded with small gifts such as nuts, candy, pastries, dried fruit, or other sweets. This tradition also takes place on New Year's Eve and the eve of Epiphany.

Christmas Decorations in Greece

While Christmas trees have become more popular in recent years, Greeks have long had their own traditional decorations. One such decoration is the sailing ship, which harks back to ancient times. Greek wives and children would decorate small boats to celebrate the safe return of their husbands and sons from sea voyages. This tradition continues today, and many Greek households display a ship or boat adorned with lights and ornaments during the Christmas season.

Public Displays

In large cities such as Thessaloniki, a huge Christmas tree and a three-masted sailing ship are erected each December in Aristotelous Square. Similar boat displays can be found in other major cities, including Athens, where they symbolize the deep connection between Greece and the sea.

The Kallikantzaroi: Mischievous Christmas Goblins

A unique aspect of Greek Christmas folklore is the legend of the kallikantzaroi, mischievous little goblins that emerge during the twelve days of Christmas. These creatures, said to come from the center of the earth, enter homes through the chimney and cause havoc wherever they go. To ward them off, Greeks keep fires burning throughout the twelve days or use a special decoration—a wooden bowl with a cross wrapped in basil, which is dipped in holy water and sprinkled around the house daily.

Advent and Christmas Feasts

Devout Christian Greeks prepare for Christmas by participating in a 40-day Advent fast, which ends after the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Following the service, families gather for a feast to break the fast. Traditionally, the main dish is lamb, pork, or goat, roasted in the oven or over an open flame. Turkey has also become a popular choice in recent years. The meal is accompanied by spinach and cheese pies, salads, and a variety of vegetables.

Greek Christmas Desserts

Greek Christmas desserts are rich and sweet. Popular choices include:

• Baklava – A pastry made of layers of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey.
• Kataifi – A pastry made from shredded filo dough, flavored with nuts and cinnamon.
• Theeples – A fried pastry often eaten for breakfast or as an appetizer.
• Melomakarona – Oblong-shaped biscuits made from flour, olive oil, and honey, then rolled in chopped walnuts.
• Kourambiethes – Butter cookies covered in powdered sugar.

However, the most notable Christmas dessert is Christopsomo (Christ’s Bread), a round, sweet bread flavored with cinnamon, orange, and cloves. The top is decorated with a cross, and the design can vary based on the baker’s creativity.

St. Basil’s Day – January 1st

Presents in Greece are traditionally exchanged on January 1st, known as St. Basil’s Day. One of the customs on this day is the Renewal of Waters, where all the water jars in the house are emptied and refilled with fresh water to banish the kallikantzaroi for good.

Epiphany – January 6th

Epiphany is the last day of the Greek Christmas season and is celebrated with special events. One of the most significant traditions is when young men dive into cold bodies of water to retrieve a cross that has been blessed and thrown in by a priest. The diver who retrieves the cross is said to have good luck for the coming year. Other celebrations include the blessing of boats and ships, as well as festive music, dancing, and plenty of food.

Video by The Touring Teacher

Traditional Greek Holiday Recipes

Greek Christmas celebrations are filled with delicious dishes that bring warmth and festivity to the holiday season. From hearty main courses to sweet desserts, these traditional recipes are enjoyed by families across Greece during the twelve days of Christmas. Here are a few authentic Greek holiday recipes:

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1. Christopsomo (Christ's Bread)

Christopsomo, or Christ's Bread, is a traditional Greek sweet bread made for Christmas. Flavored with cinnamon, orange, and cloves, it is often decorated with a cross on top and enjoyed during the holiday feast.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest.
3. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, olive oil, and raisins/walnuts if using. Mix to form a soft dough.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Score the top of the loaf with a cross and brush it with egg wash. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

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2. Kourabiedes (Greek Butter Cookies)

Kourabiedes are classic Greek butter cookies made with almonds and dusted generously with powdered sugar. These festive treats are enjoyed during Christmas and other holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons brandy or ouzo
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup toasted almonds, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolk, brandy (or ouzo), and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Fold in the chopped almonds.
6. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
8. Once the cookies are cooled slightly, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
9. Serve dusted with more powdered sugar for a festive touch.

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3. Melomakarona (Honey-Dipped Christmas Cookies)

Melomakarona are traditional Greek Christmas cookies made from a spiced dough and soaked in honey syrup. These delicious treats are often topped with chopped walnuts for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (for topping)

For the syrup:

• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil, vegetable oil, orange juice, orange zest, brandy, sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape the dough into small oval cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. While the cookies are baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Once the cookies are baked, dip them in the warm honey syrup, making sure they are fully coated. Place the soaked cookies on a serving tray.
9. Sprinkle the tops with chopped walnuts and serve.

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4. Spanakopita (Spinach and Feta Pie)

Spanakopita is a savory Greek pie made with layers of crispy filo dough, filled with spinach and feta cheese. Although often enjoyed year-round, it is also served during Christmas feasts.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 lb feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 lb filo dough (thawed if frozen)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
3. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, combine the spinach mixture with the crumbled feta, dill, beaten eggs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
5. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the filo dough sheets, brushing each layer with melted butter.
6. Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the filo layers.
7. Layer the remaining filo dough on top, brushing each layer with butter.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and crispy on top.
9. Let the spanakopita cool slightly before slicing and serving.

These traditional Greek recipes bring the flavors and warmth of the holiday season to your table. Enjoy preparing and sharing these festive dishes with family and friends during the Christmas celebrations!

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