Christmas in the Diaspora can be bittersweet for many of those who have loved ones in Greece. However, it’s also a time of year we can embrace our unique identity, a combination of two cultures, and share it with others, greekcitytimes.com notes in a recent feature.
One of the main challenges Greeks face in the lead up to Christmas is the lack of a ‘festive feeling’. For most of them, regardless of culture and nationality, the Christmas spirit tends to be based quite solidly on what they remember growing up. So, all the sights, smells and tunes carved in their memories tend to create the essence of Christmas. Many of them grew up in the Diaspora, but for those of them who grew up in Greece, being away from where they celebrated Christmas as a child somehow interferes with their seasonal spirit. Without their favourite Christmas treats like melomakarouna and kourapiedes in steady supply, spotting their neighbours little decorated Christmas boats outside their front door, or hearing children sing Kalanda, it can feel decidedly un-festive. In addition, many of them live in climates that are in direct opposite rotation with that of Greece’s. It’s not easy to feel ‘Christmassy’ in the middle of summer.
Many of Greeks in the Diaspora are blessed with family, friends and a strong community around them, and this is who they celebrate special occasions with. However, with some of their loved ones still back in Greece, Christmas can feel a little bittersweet. Fortunately, evolving technology enables them to “face-time” or Skype one another and share instant messages, photos and videos, so that it can feel almost like being together on these special occasions.
Although they live in the Diaspora, and are therefore usually keen to adapt to local flavours and methods in general, remember that there is a real sense of comfort, pride and identity in selecting some traditions from Christmas in Greece to add to the celebrations in the Diaspora. They also provide a great talking point for Greek children growing up in the Diaspora, and guests of theirs who don’t have a Greek heritage.
Some ideas to incorporate Greece into Christmas celebrations include baking a loaf of Christopsomo to share, followed by a traditional Greek leg of lamb on the BBQ, instead of turkey! One could find a recipe for Melomakarona and kourapiedes (or ask a favour of someone in your community who knows how to make it) to share with everyone after the meal. One should also not forget to attend the local Orthodox Church Christmas Day service – the sense of community and cheerful atmosphere is sure to bring some Christmas spirit to the day.
Celebrating Christmas in the Diaspora is a very special blessing. Not only does one have the opportunity to combine the best traditions from each culture, but one gets to share them with others. Children learn more about their heritage, and the way their parents and grandparents celebrated Christmas. Everyone who attends such festivities, from any cultural background, have the chance to come together in joy and love – and this is the true meaning of Christmas, after all.
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Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Nevit Dilmen
