Because I love the volunteer lifestyle and because I like to test myself, I decided to spend my Christmas time far away to my family, my culture, and my bearings.
Yes my parents were disappointed. Yes I will be going to miss the familiar atmosphere. But no I was not afraid to feel sad, alone, lost, or many more: to regret my choice.
Quite the opposite.

For my first christmas in Greece, I went with my family in Athens, and for the new year, I was in Delphe. But before joining my family, I discovered here in Serres how greek people celebrate these events.
One of my greek friend in Komotini first made me taste your amazing pita and christmas biscuits : melomacarona and kourabiedes !! My favorites are the white ones (kourabiedes) !
I heard for almost one month in the street of Serres some christmas songs too. Is this a tradition to have music in the street for these celebrations ? It was a little bit strange for me at the beginning to always here christmas songs in the street !

I noticed also in Komotini, Serres, Athens and so many other cities that there were boats in christmas lights ! It was very strange for me because usually the christmas lights represent snow, christmas trees, stars or other things related with winter. But here, I learnt with my teacher Konstantina, that the tradition was to decorate boats ! It's true that Greece is more a sea country than forest or snow country.
When I was in Athens with my family, I also saw children singing in the street and in shops with a triangle instrument. They were then asking money, it was very funny to see ! If I would be still a child I think I would have loved to go in the street with my friends to sing at every doors ! The atmosphere was very festive.
For the new year, I was in Delphe with my family, it is a wonderful place ! Here I saw greek people cut the famous « new year cake », and so we made it too !

To conclude, I wish for you all a Kali Xristougenna, and a Kali Xronia !!


Mathilde Rouch