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knicks_fan87

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This question is out of pure curiotisty! What do my fellow Greek-Americans and Greek-Canadians do for thanksgiving? Do you eat turkey? Do you even celebrate?
 
I was born and raised, for the most part, in America. Why wouldn't I celebrate it? Of course I eat turkey. There is nothing in the Orthodoxy that prevents me from eating it. I celebrate it like other Americans.
 
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This question is out of pure curiotisty! What do my fellow Greek-Americans and Greek-Canadians do for thanksgiving? Do you eat turkey? Do you even celebrate?
I am a Greek- American. My family does a lot of the American-traditional stuff (like serving a turkey, pumpkin pie, that kind of thing), but we also add some favorite Greek dishes. My family "stuffing" involves rice, allspice, and chestnuts and I have heard many Greek Americans say they serve the same thing. I don't even know what it is or what the origin is. Last year, we served spanakopita for an appetizer, and Ek Mek Kataifi for dessert alongside pumpkin and apple pie. For the record, the Ek Mek actually stole the show!
 
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Great question!

Not sure on the Greek Canadian side of things, but here is some information about how Greek Americans celebrate Thanksgiving:

 
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I am a Greek- American. My family does a lot of the American-traditional stuff (like serving a turkey, pumpkin pie, that kind of thing), but we also add some favorite Greek dishes. My family "stuffing" involves rice, allspice, and chestnuts and I have heard many Greek Americans say they serve the same thing. I don't even know what it is or what the origin is. Last year, we served spanakopita for an appetizer, and Ek Mek Kataifi for dessert alongside pumpkin and apple pie. For the record, the Ek Mek actually stole the show!
I loooove ek mek kataifi!! Is there any recipe that you used that you could divulge for us?
 
We Australian Greeks do not have Thanksgiving. BUT in 2006 we were in New York. My sister and I went to the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Didn't realise how freezing cold it was, left my gloves behind. A vey kind lady next to me gave me her leg warmer as my hands had turned purple. We had dinner at our cousin's in Astoria. They had everything (turkey, stuffing, lamb, chicken) as they didn't know what we would eat. We had to say what we were thankful for. Our Mum and Aunt very tearfully said that we were there to join them. And we were very, very grateful and thankful.
 
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We Australian Greeks do not have Thanksgiving. BUT in 2006 we were in New York. My sister and I went to the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Didn't realise how freezing cold it was, left my gloves behind. A vey kind lady next to me gave me her leg warmer as my hands had turned purple. We had dinner at our cousin's in Astoria. They had everything (turkey, stuffing, lamb, chicken) as they didn't know what we would eat. We had to say what we were thankful for. Our Mum and Aunt very tearfully said that we were there to join them. And we were very, very grateful and thankful.
Sounds beautiful. Kudos to your family for making so much food, that is truly the Greek way, making sure that everyone is taken care of
 

How did your family spend summers in Greece?

I’m curious how many of you spent summers in Greece growing up.

My experience was a little different. My parents both worked full time, so we never packed up and spent entire summers in Greece the way some Greek families did. But I had friends and cousins who seemed to disappear every June and come back just before school started, full of stories about village life, island beaches, family gatherings, and adventures with cousins.

I always found those stories fascinating and sometimes wished I had experienced that myself.

For those of you who did spend summers in Greece, what was it like? Did you stay in a village, a city, or on an island? What did your typical days look like? Are there any traditions, memories, or experiences that still stand out to you today? I'd love to hear your stories!

Are most Greeks left or right?

Are most Greeks liberal leftist progressives? Most that I encounter are. Not only that but self hating. WHY?

Best Christening Gifts for a Close Friend's Child?

What are some good christening gifts for the child of a close friend?

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been to a Greek christening, and the last one I attended was for a relative, so I’m realizing I’m not completely sure what is considered appropriate these days.

Since this is the child of a close friend, I’d like to give something a little more meaningful than just a standard gift, but I also don’t want to overdo it. Are religious gifts like an icon, cross, or children’s Bible still common? Would money, jewelry, or something personalized be appropriate?

I’d also be interested to know whether there are certain gifts that are traditionally given by family members or the godparents that I should avoid duplicating.

What have you given for christenings recently, especially when the child belonged to a close friend? I’d love some ideas that feel thoughtful and appropriate.

Greek Traditions from Childhood?

I’d love to hear everyone’s memories of Greek traditions from childhood, especially the small everyday things that may not even seem unusual until you look back on them later.

For me, some of the strongest memories are tied to food, church, family gatherings, name days, holiday preparations, and the feeling of constantly having people around. Even certain sounds and smells immediately bring everything back.

I’m also curious how traditions differed depending on region or family background. Did your family keep strong village customs? Were there things your grandparents insisted on doing a certain way? Any traditions connected to Easter, Christmas, weddings, coffee, hospitality, music, or food?

For me, we ate a family-oriented Sunday meal where everyone go together after church. That was a big part of things for me.

What are your favorite name day traditions?

I’ve always loved the tradition of celebrating name days. In my family, they’re just as meaningful as birthdays, and sometimes even more fun because they bring everyone together in a different way.

When a big name day comes around, especially one that several family members share, we often turn it into a full family gathering. For example, on a name day like Nick/Nikolas, where there might be multiple people celebrating, it becomes almost like a mini family holiday. Someone hosts, there’s plenty of food, and everyone comes by to wish the celebrants “chronia polla.”

I also like the simplicity of the tradition. Even if there isn’t a big gathering, people still call or send messages to acknowledge the day.

Do you celebrate name days in your family? And are there certain ones that turn into larger celebrations because several people share the name?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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