Greek Traditions Community

What are your favorite Greek Christmas traditions?

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voula_slat

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I plan to incorporate some Greek Christmas traditions into our celebrations this year. I live in the United States.

What are some of your favorite traditions?

So far I am learning about - the tradition of decorating boats, to kalanda, pomegranates, and traditions associated with the Orthodox Church.
 
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You could have Saint Vassilis instead of St. Nick bring presents. If you do that, then he has to come on New Years Eve instead of Christmas Eve because that's how it's done in Greece.
 
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Best Christening Gifts for a Close Friend's Child?

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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.

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I ended up talking about ideas like honor, dignity, courage, generosity, and doing the right thing because it’s simply the right thing to do. I even used some historical examples, including the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae and the spirit of Ochi Day, to try to explain the sense of duty and selflessness that I associate with philotimo.

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