Greek Traditions Community

What is a good gift for visiting a Greek family?

1 - 6 of 6 Posts
K

kcixcy

Active member
Hi everyone! My husband is Greek and I'll be visiting his family for a few days during Easter. What's something nice I can bring? Do you recommend something for the home like a vase? Or food?
 
I would recommend bringing something for the house. A vase sounds like a nice idea, or maybe something that you know his parents like for themselves. You can bring food if you're going to their house for a meal or for a party, but if you're staying at their house for multiple days, a bigger gift is necessary.
 
kcixcy said:
Hi everyone! My husband is Greek and I'll be visiting his family for a few days during Easter. What's something nice I can bring? Do you recommend something for the home like a vase? Or food?
Click to expand...
I always appreciate a bottle of wine or some kind of food. Preferably food that has a shelf life....we have a Greek market nearby where you could buy the likes of loukoumi, a jellied dessert with confectionary sugar on it. Somehow in our Greek home food is always appreciated.
 
I would bring a collection of items. Maybe some wine, the loukoumi would be a nice gestured, maybe even a potted plant, like a potted herb. Greeks love to use fresh herbs in their cooking and most have patio or windowsill gardens.
 
I see it's been a while since you’ve posted, but I just wanted to ask—has anyone ever brought something homemade, like cookies or a small cake? I’m wondering if that feels too informal or if it would actually be appreciated as a thoughtful gesture. I'm visiting a Greek friend’s family soon and want something that feels personal but respectful.
 
One year I brought a small homemade treat and a little decorative item for my in-laws, and it went over really well. I also added a small gift card, checked the balance on https://giftcardmall.org first so I knew it was ready, which let them pick something they liked. Simple things like that—food or a nice home item—usually get more love than something big or fancy, and it feels thoughtful without being over the top.
 
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

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?

Information About Apokries?

I’ve been curious about how people experience Apokries and what it looks like in different parts of Greece. For some, it seems centered on big public celebrations and costumes, while for others it’s more about smaller gatherings, food, and local customs.

I’m especially interested in the traditions people grew up with. Was Apokries something your family actively celebrated, or did it feel more like a community event? Did you attend costume parties, parades, or specific local festivities? And how did days like Tsiknopempti fit into it for you?

I’d also love to hear whether your experience changed over time, for example, celebrating differently as a child versus as an adult, or noticing differences between village and city celebrations.

For those who no longer live in Greece, do you still mark Apokries in some way, or has it faded with distance?

I’m looking forward to hearing how this tradition shows up for others.

Tips for Decorating the Wedding Bed - To Krevati

I've never decorated a wedding bed before, but I’ve been hearing more about the tradition of To Krevati and I’d really love to honor it. The groom’s family is from Greece, and while I’m not Greek myself, I want to surprise them by including something meaningful from the culture. I know it involves decorating the couple’s bed with linens, flowers, money, or even baby items for fertility—but beyond that, I’m not sure how to do it properly or respectfully.

Do you have any tips for setting up the Krevati? Are there specific items I should include—or avoid? Does it happen the night before the wedding, or earlier? Is it more symbolic or do guests actually gather for it?

Village Storytelling Traditions in Greece?

I’m curious — are there still village storytelling traditions in Greece?

My family originally came from a few small mountain villages, but we’ve been in the U.S. for several generations now, and we don’t really have anyone left back in Greece to ask about this. I’ve been thinking about visiting someday, and I keep wondering: if I went to those villages, would there still be older people who share stories the way our grandparents used to?

I don’t mean just local history from books or museums — I’m thinking more about personal stories, folktales, myths, or even funny old family anecdotes passed down out loud.

Does that kind of thing still exist in rural Greece today? Would it be welcomed if I asked about it while visiting, or is it something that has faded away with time?

I’d love to know what to expect and how to approach it respectfully.

Harvest Traditions in Greece for Olives?

I’ve always been fascinated by the olive harvest in Greece — not just the agricultural side, but the traditions that go along with it. I know olives have been a cornerstone of Greek life for thousands of years, and that harvest time is a big event in many villages.

For those who have experienced it firsthand, what’s the process like? Do families still gather together to pick olives by hand, or is it mostly done with modern equipment now? Are there specific rituals, blessings, or celebrations before or after the harvest?

I’ve heard that in some places, the first oil pressed is shared or offered in church — is that still common? And do different regions of Greece have their own unique customs tied to the olive harvest?

Would love to hear stories, memories, and local traditions from around the country.
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