Four ways to ‘Greek-ify’ your Christmas

·

Food:

The best part of a Greek Christmas! Going to a Greek BBQ filled with Greek savouries and sweets. While enjoyed all year round, it is most common to see Kourabiedes, melomakarona and galaktoboureko at Greek events. However, the biggest Christmas tradition among Greeks is eating avgolemono soup after the Christmas Eve church service. Another Greek Christmas tradition is baking and eating Christopsomo, which is common to numerous Greek families across Australia. The bread is usually decorated with a cross or ‘X’ (the first letter in the Greek word for Christ), and is made on Christmas Eve to be eaten on Christmas day.

Wine:

You can’t have a Greek Christmas celebration without Greek Mulled Wine, also known as Krasomelo. The sweet and spicy beverage is used in Greece to warm the taste buds on a winter day, but in Australia it’s used as a sweet beverage that the whole family can drink together at Christmas dinner. While mulling wines are traditionally not the most appetising, many Greeks say the better the wine, the better the krasomelo.

Christmas Tree:

The first Christmas tree came to Greece in 1833, when King Otto of Bavaria brought with him many traditions from his old country. While some Greeks still carry the Christmas tree tradition, many people in Greece instead decorate boats, which are recognised as powerful symbol in Greece of moving towards a new life. However, this doesn’t mean the Christmas tree is ignored during this time of year. Greek Australians are well known for decorating their Christmas trees with baubles of Greek patron saints, as well as photos of Greece printed on their baubles.

Carols:

Although Christmas carols aren’t done as commonly anymore, a Greek “Kalanta” is still a tradition among many Greek families. Not many people know however, that the lyrics and music of the kalanta vary depending on each Greek region, and this is evident not only in the musical instruments accompanying the carollers, but also the rhythm and the wishes. Below is a list of carols from each Greek district, for your family to learn and carry the traditions!

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Portraits of Costa Georgiadis and Sue Chrysanthou among 2025 Archibald Prize finalists

Costa Georgiadis and Sue Chrysanthou SC have been immortalised among the finalists for this year’s Archibald Prize.

Commemoration events to be held in NSW to honour victims of the Greek Genocide

Pontoxeniteas NSW, Panagia Soumela Sydney, and Diogenes Wollongong invite the community to two events commemorating the Greek Genocide.

Pallaconian Association of Canberra to celebrate 25 years with big night of music

The Pallaconian Association of Canberra & Districts is celebrating 25 years with a night of music, culture, and celebration.

John Pandazopoulos welcomes new Chair of Parks Victoria following his departure

John Pandazopoulos has concluded his term as Chair of Parks Victoria after 4.5 years, having extended his original appointment.

Second HMSA Careers Day connects Greek Australian students with industry leaders

Following the success from last year’s event, the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) and the GCM held their second Careers Day.

You May Also Like

In Photos: The Evzones visit Alphington Grammar School for ANZAC Day assembly

The Greek Presidential Guard have paid a visit to Alphington Grammar School in Victoria this morning to attend a special ANZAC Day assembly.

Koulourakia, Lambades and Culture: GOCNSW hosts festive Easter workshops for kids

A total of 85 enthusiastic students took part in this year’s Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) Easter school holiday program.

Remembering bouzouki master, Giorgos Zampetas.

Giorgos Zampetas is a well-known Greek composer and bouzouki master. To mark the occasion of his birth, we take a look back at his life.