Greek Christouyenna

  Greek Xmas then and now

Christouyenna ....

  In greek

Χριστούγεννα 

My first Christmas here, in 1976, living in Piraeus was dark and cold. There were no decorations in Piraeus, no lights, no Xmas tree, no bright shops, music or happy shoppers. The western type celebrations didn't come for almost another ten years.

K was on leave from the Greek Navy and went back to Poros for the holiday to be with his family. I was not accepted back then, a foreigner who they hoped would just go away. I had a few English friends. It wasn't bleak but Christmas was not the huge festival it is now.

 Christmas day was simply a name day for those named Christos and Christina. The greek family ate together and visited their relatives named for Christ. The men were served whisky and the women a sweet liqueur. They were accompanied by pistachio nuts or a syrupy sweet. 

If you were lucky there were plates of roast pig, potatoes and jars of retsina, the local pine infused wine. 

Once enough wine and whisky was consumed the dancing began. Still does

New Years day was a more important celebration. Godparents brought presents, of new clothes or shoes. That was the tradition. 

 Saint Nick had nothing to do with Christmas or New Year. He was the protector of sailors and was celebrated on December 6th.

Saint Basil (Vasili) brings in the New Year on January 1st. It's another big name day. Vasili or female Vasiliki, Vaso or Kiki. 

Times have changed though. Name day gatherings are smaller. K spends all morning on the phone going through his phone list, calling those celebrating and wishing them 'Chronia Polla', Many Happy Returns. 

Back then the whole neighbourhood was likely to turn up in your yard to help you celebrate. For the men in the family. Female name days were far more sedate. 

Traditional Xmas Sweets

K makes the Greek Christmas cookies nowadays

Melimakarouna, honey cakes

And

Kourabiethes, almond and butter biscuits covered in icing sugar.

There's a plate of Xmas mince pies too. I make a few every year plus a few boozy boiled fruit cakes I baptise Xmas cakes