Spending Christmas abroad is the ultimate, hassle-free way to enjoy the festive period, and Greece is a great option. Cities such as Rhodes and Athens provide an authentic sanctuary, with many all inclusive hotels offering irresistible seasonal deals.
Christmas is usually in full swing by the second week of December, when Greeks celebrate the Feast St. Nicholas, where gifts are exchanged. Festivities will carry on until a month later, January 6, when the nation celebrates the Feast of Epiphany. St. Nicholas is essential to the Greek culture, and is the patron saint of sailors. According to legend, his clothes and beard drip with seawater and he is covered in seaweed.
Christmas in Greece is a very non-commercial affair as the country doesn't share the English passion for decorations. Some Greeks have adopted the culture, but lights are usually only visible in ex pat areas and houses and Christmas trees are very uncommon. A wooden dish affixed with a wire that suspends a cross wrapped in basil is the defining symbol of Christmas in Greece. Someone in the family will dip the cross in holy water and sprinkle it around the house every day in the run up to Christmas.
As well as smaller displays around the city, the local people of Athens often enjoy a large Christmas display that takes place in Syntagma Square. Austerity measures are in place, but volunteers, children and art students keep the city as festive as possible and help maintain a seasonal spirit.
Kotzia Square and Klafthmonos Square are also great spots to watch out for. The reason that Greece may seem a lot less enthusiastic during Yuletide is because it is seen as a solemn, religious holiday. This is punctuated by religious traditions, such as beautiful carols (called kalandas), which are sung by local groups on streets and in churches.
Christmas is usually in full swing by the second week of December, when Greeks celebrate the Feast St. Nicholas, where gifts are exchanged. Festivities will carry on until a month later, January 6, when the nation celebrates the Feast of Epiphany. St. Nicholas is essential to the Greek culture, and is the patron saint of sailors. According to legend, his clothes and beard drip with seawater and he is covered in seaweed.
Christmas in Greece is a very non-commercial affair as the country doesn't share the English passion for decorations. Some Greeks have adopted the culture, but lights are usually only visible in ex pat areas and houses and Christmas trees are very uncommon. A wooden dish affixed with a wire that suspends a cross wrapped in basil is the defining symbol of Christmas in Greece. Someone in the family will dip the cross in holy water and sprinkle it around the house every day in the run up to Christmas.
As well as smaller displays around the city, the local people of Athens often enjoy a large Christmas display that takes place in Syntagma Square. Austerity measures are in place, but volunteers, children and art students keep the city as festive as possible and help maintain a seasonal spirit.
Kotzia Square and Klafthmonos Square are also great spots to watch out for. The reason that Greece may seem a lot less enthusiastic during Yuletide is because it is seen as a solemn, religious holiday. This is punctuated by religious traditions, such as beautiful carols (called kalandas), which are sung by local groups on streets and in churches.
About the Author:
Steve Alexander has been writing about Christmas holidays in Greece. More information on Greece hotels, including a range of top deals in Rhodes can be found at Hotels4u.
