Christmas Eve

All greek children will be out today with metal triangles to jangle and clash as the accompaniment to the traditional Christmas carol (kalanda) they sing today.  Every household waits for the children to ring on their bell, thump on their door, from early morning till midday and bring them Christmas joy and good luck.  There are a few 'humbuggers' who won't open the door but not many and even the shops tolerate bands of kids wandering in one after the other and reward them with a 50 cent coin.  

My grandchildren will all be out carolling with their friends, going first to friendly neighbours, godparents and family who they hope will give them much more than a 50 cent coin.

This caroller got a melomakarouno (honey biscuit).  He's far too old to be given pocket money.  He doesn't really need another honey biscuit either but 'hey, ho' it's Xmas.

'Good morning my lords

Can I please

Sing about Christ's birth

In your noble house

Christ is born today'

Our Christmas carollers.  They brought joy and the Christmas spirit early this morning and were suitably rewarded.  The girls got dragged in to do a few chores as well.  Only simple things like arranging the presents under the tree and wrapping up an ungainly and fragile biscuit barrel.  Then they were off to continue their warbling elsewhere and fill their purses 

While doing some last minute shopping we came across the municipal band playing the kalanda along the waterfront.  This is our friend and relative Vangelis who, as you can see, beats on the big drum

A sunny day but it is a day of 'sun with teeth' as they say here.  Clear but darn cold.  We bought some salad items, an extra loaf of bread for the turkey stuffing tomorrow and then high-tailed it back to the warmth of the house.

Merry Christmas, peace and happiness to you all!