Christmas Day

Christmas Day in Greece, celebrated on December 25th, is a significant religious and cultural holiday that marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of joy, family gatherings, and traditional customs deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox Christianity. Leading up to Christmas, Greeks observe a 40-day fasting period, known as the Nativity Fast, which ends on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, families attend church services, where hymns and prayers celebrate the birth of Christ. After the service, they return home to enjoy a festive meal, often featuring roasted lamb or pork, stuffed turkey, and a variety of traditional dishes like *melomakarona* (honey cookies) and *kourabiedes* (sugar-dusted almond cookies). Homes are decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and small wooden boats, symbolizing Greece's maritime heritage. Children sing *kalanda* (Christmas carols) in neighborhoods, often accompanied by triangles, drums, or guitars, and are rewarded with sweets or coins. Christmas in Greece is a time of warmth, generosity, and reflection, blending religious devotion with rich cultural traditions. The holiday season extends until Epiphany on January 6th, marking the end of the festive period.