CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the world. There are many different types of ways that people celebrate Christmas in different countries, but I will be only writing about two, Greece and Spain.
CHRISTMAS IN SPAIN
Each year between December 24 and January 6, Spain comes alive to celebrate Christmas, or Navidad in Spanish. During this time of the year, everyone strives to fill their days with happiness, joy, and family harmony, although some are more successful than others. Spanish holidays are a mixture of Christian and pagan traditions. According to Catholic tradition, Christmas is celebrated on December 25 in honor of the day Jesus was born. December 31 is New Year’s Eve, or Nochevieja in Spanish, the time to say goodbye to the year that’s coming to an end and welcome the new year. But the holiday season doesn’t end there! January 6 is a very important holiday in Spain called el Día de los Tres Reyes Magos (known in English as Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day).
CHRISTMAS IN GREECE
Until recently, Christmas was never considered much of a holiday in Greece. But in recent years things have slowly changed and now the occasion is celebrated lavishly. The Christmas season in Greece now begins on December 6th, which is Saint Nicolas day, and ends on January 6th, the day of Epiphany. Celebrations really pick-up as Christmas day gets closer, usually from the 20th of December. Streets are packed with people buying Christmas gifts for their loved ones, as well as Christmas carolers singing Christmas songs. Festive shopping continues way after Christmas Day, what with New Year's Day following up the festival.
In major cities and towns of Greece, dazzling decorations are made with brilliant lights strung across most of the streets. Shops are decorated with all the usual Christmas ornaments, and the festive mood is apparent.
Most of the Christmas traditions in Greece are more or less similar to the West. A popular tradition is small village children travelling from house to house on Christmas Eve singing 'kalanda', the equivalent of Christmas carols and offering their good wishes. In return they receive dried figs, almonds, walnuts, lots of sweets, coins, small gifts and other tokens of appreciation. Sometimes they are given small gifts as well.