Greek Traditions Community

Did you know that Greeks dont exchange gifts on Christmas?

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redsoxdw_

redsoxdw_

Active member
Gifts aren't exchanged on December 24 or 25 in Greece, rather on January 6 which is known as Epiphany. Epiphany commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God. In Greece, people give gifts to their close friends and family to commemorate the holiday.
 
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That's interesting! I've never met other Greeks who exchange gifts on January 6, and it makes sense that some do exchange gifts on January 6 because of some of the songs that are sung about that day (e.g. Simera ta fwta). Everyone I know did it on January first and St. Vasilios would bring you presents, not St. Nikolaus.

Some background on why I'm saying this - I lived in Greece during my high school years and some of my twenties (I'm in my early 30s now) and my wife (late 20s) was born and raised in Greece.
 
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I have never heard this tradition!

My family always opens stocking gifts on New Years day, other than that this is a very interesting Christmas tradition!
 
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Yes, I knew this when I first went to Greece un 1975. Gifts (or money) is given on New Year’s Day. In Australia we always received money on New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday. I was also taught never repay a debt or pay bills on New Year’s Day - indicates you will be parting with money all year.
It's funny how each country adapts to being Greek in another country. We're very resourceful people
 
This is interesting, my family adapted to the American way of doing things, to open gifts on Christmas Day. I sort of wish we kept the ways of Greece. Maybe I can bring the tradition back. :)
 
Giving gifts for Christmas began more than two thousand years ago. And the gifts were expensive: Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior came to congratulate the mother and child in the cave where the infant Jesus was born. The wise men brought gifts: precious metal, gold, expensive aromatic resins, frankincense, and Smyrna. So they had prepared in advance. I don't know why they don't give gifts in Greece, because I can't come empty-handed to my friends. I always choose gift baskets at https://www.jetgiftbaskets.com/. I advise you to look at the catalog too, very beautiful and practical gifts.
 
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Of all the Christmas celebrations I have experienced in different counties, I would recommend the Philippines as one of the most enjoyable places to celebrate this occasion.
 
VisaExpress said:
Of all the Christmas celebrations I have experienced in different counties, I would recommend the Philippines as one of the most enjoyable places to celebrate this occasion.
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Ok, but we're talking about Greek traditions, not where you should go outside of Greece to experience a holiday.
 
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