That was Christmas

Greece celebrates Christmas and New Year like it does most things - with a flourish! Although the celebrations look the same as it is done in the UK, there are a few differences. Of course the food is different, to the Greeks eating a two month old Christmas cake seems very dodgey, and trying to explain what is in Mince Pies takes some doing. Presents are not given on Christmas Day, they are saved for New Years Eve.
Streets are decorated with overhanging lights, and in the town squares Christmas Trees are lit up.
The school children normally put on a Nativity Play, and go “carol singing” around the town singing and playing a triangle.

New Year

New Years Eve in Greece is a big celebration, as mentioned eairlier presents are given on this day rather than Christmas, this is the day that Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas as he is known in Greece makes his appearance.

In Poros people tend to eat out in a restaurant, (most are full so it’s best to book early), then gather for midnight in front of the Conference Centre, by the Car Ferry port. The Centre was host to the crowd, and food and drinks were given out, and a children's party was going on inside. This year the band played all the traditional Christmas songs, and the Mayor of Poros gave a speech, both in Greek and English, there was a little hiccup with the count down to midnight, but when it finally came, the balloons were released and the brilliant firework display started. Some visitors from Canada were very impressed with the event, they loved the fact that all the locals were celebrating together, with dancing and singing in the streets, it was just a big party that everyone was enjoying.