Chirstmas in Corfu

So how is Christmas celebrated in Greece?

It is only in recent years that Christmas has become popular here in Greece. Easter is still the main yearly event; a week long, festive and religious celebration which is referred to as the ￿big￿ week. Christmas though is catching up, with the focus on religion but the family playing a central part.

Agios Vasillis (Father Christmas) visits on Christmas night, but without his usual mode of transport - it is usually far too warm and we can only dream of a white Christmas.

That aside, Christmas is celebrated in a similar fashion to the rest of the Christian world. Brightly decorated Christmas trees, coloured lights in the streets and around the houses and loads of food and prezzies! Christmas eve, sees the first of the carol singers. The familiar tunes - in Greek of course! Then off to the Church. Christmas in Greece focuses on religion, with most going to the regular masses.

Christmas day is spent at home with the whole family. The family prepares a feast, staring with mezze, then a main meal, all washed down with local wine!

This may come as a surprise, but Christmas dinner is usually Lamb, which is 'spit' roasted outside on the BBQ. With warm sunny days in December and a dusting of snow on the far away Albanian mountains, cooking Christmas dinner outside could not be more perfect.

To start we had soup. A chicken and lemon recipe, which sounds a little unlikely, but it is excellent.

For our main meal, we had dad's barbequed lamb and pork, served with roasted potatoes (Greek style with loads of olive oil) and salad.

No Crackers, Turkey or Christmas pud on our table!

During Christmas dinner, the TV is on - constantly - as in all Greek homes. Also the phone does not stop ringing - relatives and friends wishing 'Xhronia Polla' - which literally means 'Have Many Years'. Boxing day is spent visiting friends and family.

The new-year is celebrated in the traditional fashion. That leads me to where I am now. Typing away - at the 'in-laws' with a large glass of dad's homemade wine (helping to lubricate my creativity), while waiting for the new-year to arrive. Mother-in-law is preparing even more food and in true Greek style the TV is full blast. The last few carol singers have returned to their homes and the clock is ticking.

Once the television news repeats have stopped, Theo starts loading his shot gun - a clear indication that it is very close to midnight!

On new year's eve, mum makes the traditional donuts - served with honey.

Not more food!