Christmas Traditions in Skopelos - Greece and other Pagan stories

Although Greece is not particularly known for being super big in Christmas traditions and celebrations you’d be surprised to find out that some of these Christmas traditions didn’t even know existed.

Christmas celebrations can begin as early as December 6th, (or as late for some countries). This is officially St. Nicholas Day in Greece

He is the patron saint of the sailors and known as the protector of the seas. In some areas of Greece, St. Nicholas has a reputation for ‘secret gift giving as well.

In North Greece mainly, people leave their shoes outside so the Saint can drop coins inside. It is no surprise that he built a reputation and become the model for “Santa Claus”.

Actual Christmas celebrations in Greece start on the 20th of December (approx). Decorations will start as early as the end of November (especially in the cities).

The streets are filled with people getting their festive shopping done. You can hear the Christmas Carols sung from just about everywhere. Decorations are dazzling and plentiful, playing their part in the Christmas spirit.

One piece of decor that may slightly perplex you is the colorful Christmas boat.

You will see this either next to trees or replacing the Christmas tree altogether.

This tradition is deeply rooted in St. Nicholas and an attribute to him as the Protector of our Seas.

Christmas Carols - 'Kalanda'

On Christmas Eve, whole neighbourhoods transform into Christmas choir auditoriums, with many people, (usually children), singing the Carols.

‘Kalanda‘ singing is a tradition that is a vivid childhood memory as well. We would go around in neighbourhoods, from house to house and sing the “Kalanda” away.

Most times, this would involve playing an instrument too. These would either be guitars, accordions, keyboards, bouzouki or small triangles.

If we sang well, we would be rewarded with lots of Christmas treats. This included traditional sweets such as dried figs, walnuts and other small tokens of appreciation. If it was a relative we were visiting or the house of good friends they would also stuff our pockets with coins so that we could buy our favourite toys. Needless to say, it was a day we looked forward to as kids.

Popular Pagan traditions in Greece

Christmas trees and brightly lit-up modeling boats are widely used as the ultimate Christmas decoration.

To keep these Goblins away from homes, the fire needed to be lit for 12 days.
Housewives would dip bouquets of basil in holy water (obtained from the local priest and church), and sprinkle it around every room of the house, preventing thus, evil spirits and goblins from entering.

There are other, more ancient rituals and traditions that exist as well. They can be traced back through the millennia and the pre-Christian era in Greece.

One such tradition is to keep the “Kalikantzari” away from homes. These creatures are small Goblins, meant to create havoc everywhere they go. They are underground dwellers, (ascending from Middle-earth), and reach people’s homes through chimneys.

They are especially active for twelve days, from Christmas day to Epiphany day, (6th of January).

Their specialty is to do all sorts of naughty things, such as spoiling food and milk, spreading the fireplace ashes around the house, and other such rascal behaviours.

To prevent them from entering the house, households would keep a bowl of water, blessed by the local priest.

They would use fresh Basil and sprinkle that water around the house. This way, it was believed, they’d keep the evil spirits and goblins away. Having a fire going throughout this 12-day period is also a way of keeping them slide down the chimneys.

Traditional Christmas Sweets in Skopelos and Greece

We really take pride in the Christmas sweets and treats that are made during the festive season in different regions of Greece. Each place takes pride in its own that are only made during Christmas.

Some of the sweets that you will find just about everywhere in Greece are:

Melomakarona

Christmas Treat - 1

These delicious, traditional sweets, one of my very favourites, (guilty as charged), are mainly made of:

Kourabiethes

Christmas Treat - 2

Equally delicious, though not for the calorie-conscious. The main ingredients are:

Diples

Christmas Treat - 3

Similar to Melomakarona sweets but with an altogether different texture are these delicious sweets. Ideal for Breakfast as well. Ingredients include:

Baklavas

Christmas Treat - 4

Although Baklava is made throughout the year, the smaller version, (Baklavadakia), is made especially for Christmas. Its ingredients include:

Christmas Traditions in Skopelos – Greece

Skopelos Country Villas

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