Traditions

In Greece, it is said that St. Nicholas wears drenched clothing and has brine in his beard. He drips with sea water, and his face is covered with perspiration, because he has been working hard against the waves to reach sinking ships on the angry sea. In Greece, they say "Eftihismena Christouge" for "Merry Christmas." Some households keep fires burning through the 12 days of Christmas to keep bad spirits from entering by the chimney. Christmas in Greece goes for twelve days.

Kallikantzai

While other cultures have the Christmas elves, the Greek equivalent is not so benign. Mischievous and even dangerous spirits called the Kallikantzai prey upon people, but only during the twelve days of Christmas, between Christmas and Epiphany on January 6th. Descriptions of the Kallikantzai vary. In one area, they are believed to wear wooden or iron boots, the better to kick people with. In other areas, some insist they be hooved, not booted. Almost invariably males, other regions see them in forms of wolves or even monkeys. The Kallikantzai are believed to emerge from the centre of the earth and slip into people's houses through the chimney. More mischievous than actually evil, the Kallikantzai do things like extinguish fires, ride astride people's backs, braid horses' tails, and sour the milk. To further repel the undesirable spirits, the hearth is kept burning day and night throughout the twelve days. There is a folktale about a young girl who is forced to walk alone to the mill through the twelve days, because her stepmother is hoping that the Kallikantzai will snatch her away.

Carols

At Christmas, children travel house to house singing "Kalanda," a carol, and giving good wishes. Afterwards, the children are often given sweets or coins in appreciation.

Foods

After 40 days of fasting, adults and children look forward to the Christmas feast. Pigs are slaughtered, and on almost every table are loaves of bread, or Christopsomo (Christ bread). This bread is made in large, sweet loaves of various shapes, and the crusts are engraved and decorated in some way that reflects the family’s profession.

SOURCE: Christmas Around the World