Sunday 24 December 2017

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!





10 comments:

  1. I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, Linda!
    We have an early breakfast party tomorrow (7.30 am) the whole family will descend to make merry, then by lunchtime they will go off to their own celebrations and we will settle down to a quiet afternoon. It works for us!
    Enjoy your celebrations!

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    1. Thank you Elaine. A very merry Christmas to you and all your family

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  2. A great sounding tradition Linda. All good for understanding other people in good stead for when the children are older.

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    1. The children enjoy it as much as the adults. Hopefully they'll carry it on to their children

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  3. I do like the idea of the triangles; it's good to have something that EVERYONE can do together. Have a lovely day. 10 C here, and slightly foggy. Very best wishes, Cro x

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    1. Did have a lovely day. The children
      Especially had a whale of a time.

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  4. Sounds like something that helps to build communities and strengthen bonds of family and friends.
    Have a wonderful Christmas xx

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    1. Don't know what it's like in the cities but everyone here enjoys this tradition here

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  5. Happy Christmas to you and your lovely family.

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    1. Thank you so much Yael. Peace and joy to you and your family all year long

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