Celebrating Christmas

Me in front of a giant tree...in the fog.

For the last two years  Christmas time has been either difficult or sad for us. In 2007, we were still settling in our new home and environment and it seems as if we were always sick. There were still boxes stacked around the house, in the hallways and bedrooms. It seemed as though every virus that existed that year found its way into our home and not for just a day or two, but for a week or more at a time.  We were sick for Christmas and the New Year.

Last year, we were shaken by the sudden death or our koumbaro and spent the month tending to our koumbara along with funeral/memorial services. The children were very sick and the kitchen flooded. It seemed like such an effort to feel good.  Our children were the reason that we celebrated, which is why I think children are so wonderful. They bring us joy when times are less than joyful.

So now, we're spending our third Christmas season in Greece and I have to admit, it's been great. Sure, we had a one year memorial for our koumbaro, but time heals and some of the sadness has lifted.

Our children are so excited and I'm trying to keep them that way because Christmas is magical and every child has the right to experience this magic. We've been watching Christmas movies, reading Christmas stories, listening to Christmas music and attending Christmas events when we have the chance. We're having fun and it feels great. There's nothing more rewarding than to watch the faces of my children light up with excitement , especially now.

Another reason  that I  feel great this year is because I'm surrounded by generous and caring people. On daily basis,  my friends & family give me plenty of reasons to be thankful for their company, support and smiles. Whether near or far each person is always in my heart and I try my best to make sure that they know how much I value their presence in my life because without each one of them I wouldn't be whole. Usually, I'm the person that runs to help others but there was a time this year in which I needed support and my friends and family wouldn't let me fall, I was held up when I felt I couldn't stand on my own. I feel that there are no words adequate enough to describe the extent of my gratitude but I hope by reading this that they know how thankful I am.

I appreciate everyone in my life and this includes my blog readers friends.Thank you for inspiring me to keep babbling on this blog, I always look forward to your comments and again, I appreciate your interest in my musings & photos.

 In the spirit of the holiday, I want to share a few more special moments we've enjoyed this season. We really have been enjoying ourselves!

Alexandra & I 

Izabella took this photo, she's getting really good with the camera!

Izabella stuck in Santa's sack

This Christmas ship was beautiful but a lot of the lights weren't lit...

and Foti tried to figure out how he could fix it. 

Alexandra does a little dance while trying on all of the stockings & hats while Gigi strikes a pose for the photo. 

Our Christmas tree 

A train at Oneiropouli, Drama. 

We enjoyed a Karagiozi puppet show for the holidays. 

Foti is not only a star in my life but he was a star in his school Christmas program.

Little angels waiting to perform.

Foti's performance

Foti receives a gift from a noticeably "fake" Santa. He received a "girl" gift and was traumatized for the rest of the night. He proclaimed, "That's it! I'm sick of fake Santas...I want the real one!" I can't say I blame him for feeling shafted.

Izabella & Gigi

My little munchkins pose for yet another Christmas photo. They're great sports!

And finally, me...enjoying the holidays.

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A few Christmas Quotes:

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.  ~Charles Dickens

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...

~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home. 

 ~Carol Nelson

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Merry Christmas!

Feliz Navidad!

Καλά Χριστούγεννα!

Oneiropouli of Drama

Last Sunday,  we decided to take a short road trip to the city of Drama. It's an hour and a half away, so we made sure to pack a DVD for the kids to watch so that we could distract them and hopefully avoid the inevitable question, "are we there yet?"  Despite my efforts, Izabella didn't abstain from persistently and systematically asking, "how much longer ?" or  "How many more minutes do we have left?".  So, after our short drive to Drama, the children were more than pleased with my choice of a holiday destination.

As we drove to the center of the city the holiday lights became more abundant and then they saw the park that was converted into a Christmas wonderland or  "Oneiropouli" (Dream City).  

I discovered Oneiropouli last February when doing a search for information about the city of Drama. Kosta and I spent a year living in Drama 15 years ago and I absolutely loved the city. It's such a warm, beautiful city and I now I had another excellent reason to visit.

Here are some photos from our evening in Drama:

A view of Oneiropouli from a bridge.

The park was full on Sunday evening. Games, amusement rides for the children and  live performances. This photo provides an excellent representation of the festive atmosphere at Oneiropouli.

Candy for the kids.

Roasted chestnuts and corn.

A visit with Ebenezer Scrooge.

Inside the Scrooge's home.

Live music.

Traditional Dancers

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A visit with Agios Vasilis aka Santa. Naturally, this was the highlight of our visit.

The home of Agios Vasilis was warmed by a fireplace comprised of stuffed animals. The kids thought it was really cool.

Since it's not cold enough to ice skate in Drama, you can roller blade instead.

The roller blade rink.

Alexandra loved the carousel.

Izabella found a stray to love for the time that we were at the park.

Agios Vasilis in the  middle of a pond.

Kosta and the kids.

Across from the platiya ( city center) the buildings are decorated for the holidays.

The message reads: "Happy Holidays & Many Years".

I have more photos to follow in another post. I hope that you enjoyed these!

Happy Holidays!

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Related Links:

Ονειρούπολη Δράμας 2009-2010

About.com: Greek Christmas Customs-Basil

Gigi's Christmas

We enjoyed our Christmas celebration and Gigi did also. She's adapted well to spending a few days in an apartment. Why wouldn't she? She's just as spoiled as the children! I don't have much to say as I believe that pictures tell her Christmas day story.

Yeah, baby! She scored some turkey from the table!! ( We never feed her from the table...Merry Christmas Gigi!)


Yia-Yia made her a sweater and Thia outfitted her with a shiny bow.

Here's what she thought of the bow.

I'll be back soon.

Wishing you all peace & love this holiday season!

Merry Christmas!

Here's a picture that my sister sent me. My nephew is wrapped snugly in his fleece blanket gazing out at the snow. It's a perfect representation of what I miss...my family and a cold, snowy Christmas in Wisconsin. I think that it's the perfect picture for my holiday message.

So, wherever you are and whatever your weather is like, I want to wish each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas!

Kalikantzeri

In Greece, kalikantzeri are goblins that appear from the earth during the 12 days of Christmas. They're known to engage in mischievous behavior during this time. Honestly, I didn't know anything about "kalikantzerakia" until this year when our children came home and excitedly told us that they'd perform as the goblins during their school Christmas program this year.

The little kalikantzerakia causing trouble!

The lights were low and the costumes and the background were glowing.

Both of my goblins tossing confetti simultaneously.

They had a great time performing with their friends and the program was adorable!

Kozani in December

The center of Kozani lit up for the holidays.