Christmas in Greece By: Addie Henley

Geography and Flag The flag shows nine blue and white stripes with a white cross in front of a blue background, that symbolizes Orthodoxy (the established region of the country). Greece has many states and cities. The greek myth Gods even took place on Mount Olympus.

Geography and Climate Greece has lots of islands ( almost 1500) extended Southward from the European continent into many seas like the Mediterranean and Thracian seas. Greece is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. The climate is warm and dry in the summer, and cold rainy winter months. In summer months, the dry hot sunshine is cooled by Meltemi. The Meltemi is cool dry winds from the North.

Fun Facts about Greece ● In 2011 the population in Greece was around 11 million people ● Athens hosted the Summer 2004 Olympic Games ● Around ⅔ of Greek population live in Urban areas

How to Say Merry Christmas in Greek and more Greek language ● Kala Christougenna is Merry Christmas ● Hello is Geia Sas ● How are you doing is Ti Kanete? ● Greece is Ellada ● Santa Claus is Agios Vasilis ● Christmas Tree is Christougenniatiko Dentro That may sound like Gibberish but its Greek!

Christmas Traditions! One tradition is Kallikantzaroi, which is goblins coming out of Earth and causing mischief. They try to cut the World Tree down. The World Tree is said to hold up the Earth. You might know St. Nicholas, ( Santa Claus) but instead of delivering toys, he saves boats from sinking! His cloak is drenched in brine, his beard drips with seawater, and his face is covered in perspiration. A boat never leaves without a St. Nicholas mark of some sort on it. They do not use Christmas trees much in Greece, but a wooden bowl with a piece of wire around the rim is! That is the main Christmas symbol. Plus it has a basil in it. A little water is stored in a bowl to keep the basil alive. The mother usually dips the cross in the holy water and sprinkles it around the house so the Kallikantzaroi will stay away.

My recipe I will make Baklava. Baklava is a pastry that you make with syrup (optional). You need walnuts or pistachios ( your choice), coarsely ground, garnish, cinnamon, zweiback crackers or bread crumbs, unsalted butter, and dough.