1 - 7 of 7 Posts

dubai_suzie

Active member
This is a very popular custom in Greece and you might come off as strange if you don't parcticiate. If you're invited to someones house, it is customary to bring dessert or a small gift to show your toes of appreciation for the fact that they're hosting you. It is likely that they will also offer you food, dessert or coffee as well. So don't be surprised if they do!
 
100%. This is common courtesy in Greece. I always take a cake or some little ice creams when I go to someone's house.
 
Last edited:
This is a very popular custom in Greece and you might come off as strange if you don't parcticiate. If you're invited to someones house, it is customary to bring dessert or a small gift to show your toes of appreciation for the fact that they're hosting you. It is likely that they will also offer you food, dessert or coffee as well. So don't be surprised if they do!
Nice.... always did this for all friends in Mykonos... cookies, cakes, used to take my cooking as I make mean Macaronada and Tono salads!...I used to take small bottles of Greek liquors as well...Kalley Mera from Thailand and Monsoons..
 
  • Like
Reactions: redsoxdw_
Nice.... always did this for all friends in Mykonos... cookies, cakes, used to take my cooking as I make mean Macaronada and Tono salads!...I used to take small bottles of Greek liquors as well...Kalley Mera from Thailand and Monsoons..
Amazing!! I try to be as generous as possible, there is nothing like the hospitality I have received in Greece...its astounding
 
100%. This is common courtesy in Greece. I always take a cake or some little ice creams when I go to someone's house.
Is it mostly dessert that one gifts, or can you bring other things?
 
Saw this old thread and couldn’t resist adding that I’ve noticed regional differences too. In some areas people bring wine instead of dessert, or even something small from their hometown. Have any of you seen this vary between islands or cities?
 
I’ve had good luck bringing a small sweet or even a cozy little scent as a host gift. I once brought a bottle of https://nothingbutscents.com/products/dragons-blood-wild-berry-oil to friends because the earthy smell felt relaxing, and it went over really well. Stuff like that is easy to tuck into your bag and feels personal without being over the top.
 

Anyone here struggle with outpatient rehab not being enough?

I’m curious if anyone else has been through this. I’ve been trying to get sober for a while now and started with a standard outpatient program because it seemed easier to balance with work and daily life. At first it felt okay, but after a couple weeks I noticed I was slipping back into old habits way faster than I expected.
It kinda feels like once the session is over, you’re just thrown back into the same environment with very little structure or support. I’m starting to wonder if outpatient is just too “light” for some people, especially if relapse has already happened before.
Has anyone here switched from regular outpatient to something more structured like IOP or medication-assisted treatment? Did it actually make a difference, or was it just more time in treatment with the same results?
Would really appreciate hearing real experiences — good or bad.

Where’s the Best Place in Greece to Experience Apokries?

If I were to go to Greece during Apokries, where should I go? I know it’s celebrated all over the country, but each region seems to have its own unique twist.

I’m torn between wanting to see something authentic and traditional versus something big and carnival-like. Do smaller towns do anything special, or is it best to experience it in a major city?

I’ve heard about flour wars in Galaxidi, the goat-mask dancers in Skyros, and those fire-lit parades in Xanthi, all sound amazing but so different!

If you’ve been in Greece during Apokries, where would you recommend going, and why? Is there a particular village or island where it still feels old-world and local rather than touristy?

How does your family celebrate?

I’d love to hear how everyone here celebrates Christmas in their own Greek way, whether you’re in Greece or part of the diaspora. Every family I know seems to have its own version of the holiday, shaped by region, faith, and generations of habits. Some homes revolve around church and fasting, others around baking marathons and big family tables, and others around quiet gatherings with just a few people.

Do you celebrate on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both? Are there specific foods that absolutely have to be on your table every year? Do you make Christopsomo, melomakarona, kourabiedes, or something unique to your family’s region? I’m especially curious about traditions that came from grandparents or villages that maybe aren’t as common anymore.

If you feel like sharing, I’d love to read about the rituals, foods, church customs, music, or even small personal traditions that make Greek Christmas feel like Christmas to you.

Greek Tsiknopempti Traditions?

I realized Tsiknopempti is coming up soon, and it made me curious how everyone celebrates it, especially outside of Greece. Growing up, I always associated it with grilled meat, lots of smoke in the air, and a general feeling of celebration before Lent started, but we never had a really structured tradition at home. Now I’m wondering if I should start one.

Do you usually grill at home, go out to a Greek restaurant, or gather with friends and family? Are there certain foods you always make, or is it more about the atmosphere and being together? I’ve seen photos from Greece where entire neighborhoods are grilling outside, which looks amazing.

I’d love to hear what Tsiknopempti looks like for you, whether it’s something big and festive or just a simple meal that still feels meaningful.

Symbolism Behind Koufeta in Greek Weddings

I've always been curious about the koufeta tradition at Greek weddings. They’re such a small detail—those sugar-coated almonds tucked into the bombonieres—but they carry a lot of meaning. I know they’re not just a sweet treat for guests.

Why are koufeta always included in Greek wedding favors? And what does the number of almonds represent? I’ve heard they’re supposed to be an odd number—like 5 or 7—but never even. Some say it symbolizes the indivisibility of the couple, others say it stands for fertility, health, and happiness.

Are there any deeper meanings tied to the almonds themselves—the bitter-sweet contrast of marriage, perhaps? I'd love to hear from others who know more about the tradition, especially if there are regional differences or family stories around it.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top