What a great Christmas we have had here in Corfu (2003). Agios Vasillis (Father
Christmas) visited Christmas night, but without his usual mode of transport
- it was far too warm and we could 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. Mum prepared a feast.
While we waited, we nibbled on a light mezze, with dad's homemade wine of
course.
Talking of dad, he was outside
cooking lamb on the BBQ. It was warm and we could just see
a dusting of snow on the far away Albanian mountains.
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 'Xronia Polla' - which literally
means 'Have Many Years'. Boxing day was spend visiting friends at Kouloura.
(Tom and Aphrodite playing with their new 'bubble blaster')
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 'fly' 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.
