Discover the Magic: Top 8 Fascinating Fun Facts About Christmas in Greece

1. St. Basil's Gift-Giving Feast

Move over Santa, there's a new jolly fellow in town, and he's bringing extra dough: In Greece, it's St. Basil who takes center stage for holiday gift-giving festivities on January 1st, with a celebratory feast and a shiny silver coin hidden in the traditional Vasilopita cake, symbolizing his generosity towards the poor and the blessings of the New Year.
Source => nonstopcelebrations.com

2. Greek Christmas Goblins

Beware of Greeks bearing goblins: In Greece, Christmas isn't about elves but rather kallikantzaroi, mischievous goblins that emerge from underground during the twelve days of Christmas to wreak havoc on the human world and saw the world tree, only to be distracted by the festivities and return to their subterranean dwelling upon Epiphany.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

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=> Fun Facts about Greek-Food

3. Pork-tastic Christmas Dinner

Pork and Merry-ment: In Greece, Christmas just isn't the same without a tender, juicy slice of Porky Pig and his cabbage-wrapped friends starring as the main attraction on the dinner table, while a "Pita Plot" awaits on New Year's Day – a hidden coin in a delicious pie promises good fortune for whoever uncovers the edible buried treasure.
Source => greecehighdefinition.com

4. Sail Away with Greek Decor

Don't get caught 'boatwatching' in Greece this Christmas – you might just miss the trees: In Greece, holiday decor often sails towards the nautical as families traditionally decorate "Karavaki" (little ships) with lights and ornaments, symbolizing a journey towards a brighter future; however, the sweet scent of the pine is not entirely diminished, as the first Christmas tree was introduced in the country by King Otto von Wittelsbach in 1833 and has since held its place in Greek festivities alongside their boat-filled celebrations.
Source => atlanticyachtandship.com

5. Ageless Carol-singing Greeks

Step aside, carol kings and queens: Greece has got you beat with their age-defying, door-to-door harmonies! In Greece, the tradition of singing Christmas carols, or Kalanda, ropes in everyone from tiny tots to nifty nonagenarians who go from house to house, armed with a variety of instruments and infectious cheer. The sweet custom, an ancient throwback to Byzantine times, even triggers a treats and trinkets avalanche as local homes rain down appreciation on their melodic guests.
Source => greekcitytimes.com

6. Merry Karavaki Seas-on

Why did the Christmas tree feel out of place in Greece? Because it couldn't sea why boats were in the holiday spotlight! In Greek tradition, decorating a boat known as a Karavaki with festive lights during the holiday season is a popular custom, as opposed to putting up a Christmas tree: St. Nicholas Day, on December 6, sees people adorning boats in honor of the patron saint of sailors, who is believed to protect ships at sea, turning harbors and even city centers like Athens into bustling, flickering harbors of festive maritime cheer.
Source => reallesvos.com

7. Jingle Triangle Carolers

When life gives you lemons at Christmas, the Greeks go door-to-door singing carols and making triangles jingle: Despite the lack of snow during the festive season, Greek children continue to ignite the holiday spirit by visiting homes and serenading their neighbors with songs accompanied by traditional instruments, often being rewarded with cookies or kouloura for their delightful performances.
Source => greekboston.com

8. Paws on Holy Water

Calling all pet lovers, it's time to get your paws on holy water: In Greece, during the feast of Saint Modestus, Orthodox churches host the Blessing of the Animals, where priests sprinkle furry friends with sacred sprinkles to appreciate and care for all of God's divine critters and the environment.
Source => schnauzers-rule.com