Christmas Day tradition is highlighted by family get togethers. Homes are decorated with the proverbial tree and lights, and extensions of this theme with related red, gold and other brightly coloured ornaments. These range from gift wrapped presents under the Christmas tree – to even socks and earrings as attire. Perhaps I’ve been overly influenced by Hollywood Christmas themed movies, which I guess is my point: Christmas tends to be overly commercialised.
Once upon a time here in Greece, Christmas was a humbler time acknowledging both the birth and role of Jesus in our lives and culture. Now it seems that Christmas here is becoming more materialistic rather than Christian.
Stores brimming with shoppers and Christmas decorations appear earlier and earlier before December each year. There are even ‘pop-up shops’ selling Christmas accoutrements; this form of store being a rather rare phenomena in Greece except for this time of year.
I understand that Christmas can serve as a time to put aside harsh realities of life such as wars, inflation, potential health issues and all our stressors. The season “to be jolly” often functions as a type of pressure release valve where one looks to merriment whether forced or felt – aka “Christmas spirit.”
In the process though, perhaps one may forget or neglect to visit church, or to partake in overall peaceful contemplation; fundamentals of Christianity. These humbler celebrations are often put aside and so what ironically ensues is Christmas as a time of stress.
Two expats I’ve met here in Greece vary in their homage to Christmas from the more mainstream celebrations of the day.
Takis, 75, describes himself as a “wordly chap.” He has spent time in Australia, but is originally from Canada. He’s a long-time divorcee with an older son who lives abroad, while he himself lives alone here in Athens.
Of partly Greek background, Takis has lived in Greece for over 30 years “on and off,” and has preferred to spend his last few Christmases alone.
“I’ve been there, done that – as a kid and adult – many times in my life,” he declares adamantly.
Takis claims he’s even resorted to “white lies” in order to decline his relatives’ insistent invitations for Christmas lunch.
“Seriously, all I crave is peace. I like my own company, particularly on such a day where there tends to be pressure for lockstep,” he says.
“I also don’t appreciate the stress of having to choose the ‘right gifts’ either. It’s not that I can’t afford it, but really, it’s too much of a hassle and dampens my Christmas spirit. All this materialism detracts from Christmas’ true meaning.
“I prefer a quiet visit to the Catholic church here in Athens on Christmas Eve, and on the day, have my own feast – usually a top notch, rib eye steak and perhaps pancakes with maple syrup and bacon, serenaded by my favourite Christmas carols, like ‘Oh Holy Night’.”
Takis says that he’s not “a total hermit on Christmas,” as he looks forward to talking to friends and relatives abroad via phone or online on Christmas Day.
Smiling cheekily, he asserts, “I think at this age and stage of my life, I have the right to do as I wish… within reason that is!”
Another expat in Greece, who I knew for decades, was a lovely lady named Georgina, who passed away a few years ago in her 60’s. From Ireland, Georgina or “Georgie” as we called her, had a holiday villa in a village in Aegina which she had built to her exact specifications in the late 1970s.
As Georgina was a teacher (music and science), with a specific holiday timetable, she liked to dedicate all her time off work to Greece, including Christmases in Aegina.
She too was divorced, since her mid-twenties in fact, and had no children. Being a generous and open-hearted person, Georgina would open her lovely Aegina home for Christmas, inviting friends and acquaintances. These were other expats who were also usually without family in Greece and/or lonely.
Georgina loved Greece deeply and would also visit the Orthodox church both at Christmas and Easter. Her home never consisted of many decorations during the Christmas festive season, except perhaps for a discretely adorned small tree.
Food served was not necessarily related to Christmas. There was no roast nor Christmas cake there on the day, but perhaps a chicken bought from a local villager, as well as fresh vegetables – whatever was at hand, simple fare with some BYO contributions by her visitors.
One thing Georgina did love at Christmas though, were melomakarona: traditional Greek, walnut biscuit type sweets that she made herself. Georgina, who had lived through the violence of “the troubles” in Northern Ireland, deeply believed in and enacted peace in her life.
Bearing in mind these “alternative” Christmases really brings home truly intentional soulful celebrations.
