Better late than never! Belated Christmas greetings from Greece

April 6 2011 , Written by thediversetraveller Published on #Christmas, #DiverseTraveller.com - Women Who Travel, Write, Snap & Share, #Greece, #Hermoupolis, #Jackie Storey, #Kini, #Syros, #Travel Beyond the UK, #Travel Write Now (stories and news)

Dear Ola and fellow Diverse Travellers,

After hail, wind and forty eight hours of rain which wreaked desolation to Kini and killed off many of my plants, the weather has changed and the sun is shining.

The people of Hermoupolis are enjoying mild temperatures and street cafe life has resumed. A festive spirit pervades the town; a juggler on a tall monocycle does the rounds, two children are dressed as a Christmas tree and a snowman and a tiny baby is paraded in a miniature father Christmas outfit.

In the main traffic-free marble paved street, shops have put tables outside offering wine and traditional festive biscuits drenched with honey or icing sugar.

Children are entertained by a man twisting balloons into fanciful animal shapes, 'I'm dreaming of a white Christmas' in Greek, and a local rendition to the tune of Jingle Bells, waft into the street, while local patronise the shops, buying food, presents and chatting with friends. Young musicians busk on street corners and shop windows are decorated.

Around the island, houses and gardens are lit with twinkling icicles, flashing stars and galloping reindeer. On one wall a father Christmas, complete with sack on shoulder, climbs a ladder of lights, trying to reach the house.

Christmas day is not a big celebration in Greece and this year as it falls at a weekend, for most people it will soon be back to work as usual.

Boxing day is not a holiday but children are off school until after Epiphany on the sixth of January, when local lads will dive for crosses thrown into the sea to bless the waters, ensuring their fish supply for another year.

The Greeks like to spend time between Christmas and the new year gambling with dice or cards and the Syros casino will be bustling.

I'm celebrating with friends in my house in Kini. I've decorated with greenery and baubles and we have large quantities of wine, food and chocolates to consume.

We've listened to carols from King's, downloaded the King William College quiz – more inscrutable than ever this year and we've recorded our favourite progammes from British television.

There will be lots of left-over turkey for my cats and hopefully the good weather will continue into the new year to allow my plants to recover.

All in all, I'm pleased to be away from the harsh northern European winter and enjoying being back in Syros with time to plan my next travelling adventure to South America.

I hope you are all happy and healthy, celebrating the season in the company of family and friends.

Thinking of you,

Love

Jacky.

***