Tag: Christmas

Christmas boat: The deep symbolism of the Greeks

We all associate the Christmas season with sweets, glamorous decorations, gifts, and festive tables. But these would be nothing without the presence of our loved ones and there is no better way to bring us all closer than the presence of a decorated Christmas tree. But how did Greeks feel this "warmth" in the old days since fir is a relatively historically recent custom? What did we decorate in our country before the fir tree? Aristotle’s quotes that will change your way of thinking Christmas customs: What does the Christmas ...

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Dare something different for this Christmas!

Christmas means snow, a fireplace, and a cozy atmosphere. For everyone! Not for everyone! Winter swimming has its audience, and some are looking for their destinations to spend the holidays in their way. In their favorite place: the sea. Our country also offers many options for winter swimmers either in mainland Greece or on an island even near Athens. Everyone can choose the one that suits him best. Famous quotes by Kazantzakis about life and God that will inspire you Christmas destinations for winter swimming! Kalamata Kalamata in winter One ...

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Elatochori: Winter holidays in its unique nature

Discover the untouched beauty of Central Macedonia, specifically Pieria. Here, virgin forests meet running waters, creating a picturesque landscape dotted with charming settlements. As the season holidays approach, consider the diverse options Pieria offers. One standout destination is Elatochori, a village nestled in nature’s lap, promising an unforgettable getaway. Pieria is a year-round holiday destination, boasting affordable accommodation and reasonable prices. It also serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider region of Central Macedonia. Just 30 km from Katerini, Elatochori awaits. Let’s embark on this journey together, immersing ...

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Christmas travel with children: Trips that you will remember forever!

Celebrating Christmas in Greece with kids might not include the renowned mulled wine found in European Christmas markets. However, it’s a unique family holiday experience. The choices are plentiful and cater to each family’s budget and preferences. You can choose destinations near or far, based on your available days. Here is a list of rewarding options that are consistently popular for Christmas holidays with children. Three crowd-free destinations for the Christmas holidays in Greece Christmas travel with children in Greece Travel to Drama City Oneiroupoli of Drama Drama and Christmas ...

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Winter: The three fairytale districts in Trikala Korinthias

Embark on a journey to the scenic Trikala Korinthias. Starting from Athens, a two-hour drive covering 144 km will lead you to this beautiful destination. Your route takes you across the impressive Corinth Canal, a marvel of engineering. Upon arrival, you’ll find yourself in the renowned Trikala of Korinth. This mountainous region is celebrated for its unique blend of natural beauty and worldly charm. Its proximity to major cities like Athens and Patras adds to its appeal. In recent times, Trikala Korinthias has seen a surge in guesthouses, making it ...

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Three crowd-free destinations for Christmas holidays in Greece

If you are looking for a peaceful and snowy getaway during the Christmas holidays, you might want to consider some alternative options. Instead of going to the usual destinations, why not explore some hidden gems and places that you have never been to before? They are waiting for you to enjoy some wonderful moments at Christmas. Whether you prefer to stay close to Athens or travel further away, you will find something that suits you. Here are three suggestions for a holiday at the end of 2023. Christmas photos of ...

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Christmas photos of old Athens

As in every Christmas, Athens has done its best. There is the Christmas tree in Syntagma Square, lamps everywhere and music in the streets. Today's images, however, are not reminiscent of the earlier times. Then, in the 1950s, when the decorations were quite limited and people were taking pleasure with very simple things. The familiar image of the traffic warden with the gifts in his canopy or the arrival of Santa Claus by car on the main streets in Athens. They were honoured by the shops that sold melomacarona and ...

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Little Kook: a fairy-tale nook in the city centre

Imagine a scene with thousands of balls, hundreds of thousands of lamps, millions of ornaments, and bags full of gifts! Artificial snowflakes guide soldiers to mingle with goblins and reindeer on the sidewalks. This magical setting unfolds in the heart of Athens, in the district of Psyrri. Here, Christmas comes alive in the most enchanting store in town, The Little Kook. The story of Little Kook began on December 12, 2016. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Psyrri’s district, this fairy-tale shop opened its doors. Its mission was to ...

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Minion: The history of the legendary Greek Shopping Center

If you were a kid in Athens in the '80s then you'd probably have a picture of Santa Claus in Minion. The department store that the Athenians fondly remember to this day. The store that was closing its doors for security reasons. Because there was no more room for people. The name of the businessman behind the inglorious Minion was Ioannis Georgakas. It all started when at the age of 13, Georgakas arrived alone in Athens from the prefecture of Olympia (an area in Peloponnese where the infamous Olympic Games ...

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The gifts to the traffic warden: A custom from the Old Athens

If you have spent your childhood in Athens in the past decades, then you certainly have some characteristic memories. One of them would be traffic wardens in their canopies. There, under their "barrels" in Kifissia and in Syntagma Square one could see a multitude of gifts on Christmas days. A special custom, very characteristic of the Old Athens. Identified with the Christmas and New Year holidays. The offer of gifts is maintained to this day. The most well-known traffic warden was definitely that of Kifissia Square. The traffic wardens in ...

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