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ciao

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Nikolina N., School of Chemical and Food Technology, Belgrade, Serbia

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Nikolina N., School of Chemical and Food Technology, Belgrade, Serbia

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Huge Christmas trees are also decorated in shopping centers

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Nera R., School of Chemical and Food Technology, Belgrade, Serbia

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Nera R., School of Chemical and Food Technology, Belgrade, Serbia

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As part of the practical classes in the field of packaging, we made a Christmas tree and gifts from cardboard boxes, and Santa and Grandma from glass, wood, cardboard and textiles.

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İrem Nur U. Yıldırım Beyazıt Anadolu Lisesi, Kırıkkale

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İrem Nur U. Yıldırım Beyazıt Anadolu Lisesi, Kırıkkale

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Hi, Santa Claus is known as Saint Nicholas who lived in Antalya, a city in my country. He was so modest and helpful that all people remember his good deeds. His house is still in Demre, Antalya and it is used as church now.

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Traditional Christmas carols

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The well-known character that references Santa Claus is St. Nicholas of Antalya. This saint lived in the ancient region of Myra in the 4th century, in the region known today as Demre. He was the son of a wheat merchant, the family had a lot of wealth, and he belonged to extremely religious and modest people. The proliferation of St. Nicholas was such that churches were built all over Europe and in many other places. The main point that makes him a legend and does not replace him with Santa Claus is his habit of secretly giving gifts to people. A popular story tells how he secretly left bags of gold to three poor women who had no dowry.https://www.trthaber.com/haber/yasam/antalyadan-dunyaya-kimdir-bu-noel-baba-732965.html

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Üç ayrı başlık, birbiriyle hiç ilgisi olmayan 3 ayrı hikâye ve bunları bir araya getiren ortak motivasyon...

Bugün dünyada kutlamalara ve zaman zaman kutlamalar yüzünden tartışmalara neden olan bu üç öğenin bir araya gelme hikayesi gerçekten ilginç.

Aslında dünyanın algısının nasıl ve hangi amaçla yönlendirildiğinin de çok güzel bir örneği.

O zaman ilk öğe ile başlayalım. Yani Noel ile...

Hz. İsa'nın doğum günü olan Noel bayramı

Hz. İsa rivayete göre bugün Filistin sınırları içinde bulunan, Kudüs'ün 10 kilometre yakınlarındaki Beytüllahim (Betlehem) şehrinde doğdu. Bir 25 Aralık akşamı, gökyüzünde onun doğumunu simgeleyen bir kuyruklu yıldız görüldüğü söylenir.

Peki bu tarih kayıtlarda var mı?

Aslında yok. Noel yani Hz. İsa'nın doğum günü onun doğumundan 300 yılı aşkın bir zamandan sonra kutlanmaya başladı. Pek çok uzmana göre bu tarihte kutlama yapılmasının nedeni Paganlar ve Roma tarafından kutlanan başka bayramların unutturulmaya çalışılması.

21 Aralık kış dönümü festivali Paganların, 25 Aralık'taki Işık Tanrısı Mithras'ın festivali ise Roma'nın bayramlarıydı.

Yani bu iddiaya göre Noel aslında Hristiyanların diğer inanışlara üstün gelebilmesi için seçilmiş bir tarih olarak konumlandırıldı.

[Fotoğraf: Reuters]

Yeni bir yılın başlangıcı, 31 Aralık'tan 1 Ocak'a yılbaşı kutlaması

Konu edindiğimiz üç öğeden ikincisi ise yılbaşı. Bu öğe zaten göründüğü şeyin kendisi. Yani takvime göre yeni bir yılın başlangıcı.

İnsanoğlu binlerce yıldır farklı takvimlere göre yıl dönümleri kutluyor. Birçok inanışa göre bahar başlangıcı kutlanması gereken bir dönüm noktası. Bu nedenle doğanın yeniden canlandığı bahar başlangıcı takvimlerde yeni yıl olarak işaretli.

Dünyada iletişim artıp, ölçümler, takvimler ortaklaştırıldıkça yılbaşı da 31 Aralık'tan 1 Ocak'a geçilen gece kutlanmaya başlanıyor.

Bu kutlamanın aslında herhangi bir dini temeli yok.

Ancak batıda çok yakın olan Noel tatili ile birleştirilip bir pazarlama meselesi haline dönüşüyor. Gerekçe tamamen maddi.

Noel'le birleşince içine satış taktikleri de eklemleniyor; çam ağacı, süslemeler, hediyeler, dileklerin kabul olması için kırmızı renkli giysiler vb.

Zaten bir sonraki öğe yani Noel Baba, bu birleşmenin kilit noktası. Onun bu duruma eklenmesinin belki de tek nedeni daha fazla satış yapmak.

[Fotoğraf: Getty Images]

Noel ile yılbaşını birleştiren pazarlamacı Noel Baba

Öncelikle hemen belirtelim, Noel Baba diye biri yok...

Noel Baba, gerçekten yaşamış ya da mitlerde anlatılan hikayelerde var olan birkaç karakterin pazarlama harikası birleşimi.

Noel Baba'ya yani Santa Claus'a referans veren en bilinen karakter Antalyalı Aziz Nicholas. Bu aziz 4. Yüzyılda bugün Demre olarak bilinen bölgedeki Myra antik kentinde yaşadı. Bir buğday tüccarının oğluydu, ailesi hayli varlıklıydı, kendisi ise son derece inançlı ve mütevazı bir kişiliğe sahipti. Aziz Nicholas'ın şöhreti öyle arttı ki, Avrupa'nın dört bir yanında ve başka birçok ülkede adına kiliseler inşa edildi.

[Antalya Demre'deki Aziz Nicholas kilisesi ]

Onu efsaneleştiren ve Noel Baba ile ilişkilendiren asıl nokta ise insanlara gizlice hediye verme alışkanlığı. Popüler bir hikaye, çeyizi olmayan üç fakir kadına nasıl gizlice çantalar dolusu altın bıraktığını anlatıyor.

[Fotoğraf: Aziz Nicholas DHA Antalya]

Peki neredeyse hiç kar yağmayan yani kızak falan kullanılmayan Antalya'dan bir aziz nasıl oldu da karla, kutupla ilişkilendi.

İşte onu da Vikinglere borçluyuz. Birazdan başka bir karakterle ilişkisi ile de konu detayına kavuşacak.

[Fotoğraf: Aziz Nicholas DHA ]

Vikinglerden kalma bir çocuk bayramı

Orta çağda Aziz Nicholas'ın masalları çok popülerdi. Vikingler ona büyük saygı duyuyor ve onu gemilerin koruyucu azizi olarak görüyorlardı.

Milattan Sonra 8. yüzyılda Vikingler, seyahatleri sırasında onun adını da yaydılar.

Ona "Sint Klaas" diyen Hollandalı yerleşimciler, St. Nicholas'ı Kuzey Amerika'ya tanıttı. Dilden dile, kulaktan kulağa yayılan bu şöhret onu ilerde Noel Baba'ya dönüştürecekti. Ama daha öncesinde bir bayramın kahramanı olmasını sağladı.

Hollanda, Belçika ve Almanya'nın bir bölümünde yüzyıllardır Aziz Nicholas (Sinterklaas) Çocuk Bayramı olarak kutlanıyor.

[Thomas Nast'a ait bir Noel Baba çizimi]

Efsaneye göre Sinterklass "Hediye akşamı" (Pakjesavond) adı verilen 6 Aralık'ta çocukların bir yıl boyunca uslu durma ve derslerine çalışmaları karşılığı hak ettikleri hediyeleri bırakıp, Myra'ya geri döner.

Hollandalı çocuklar, Sinterklaas için yaptıkları resimler ve hediye listesinin bulunduğu mektup ile atı Amerigo için hazırladıkları şeker ve havucu ayakkabılarının içine koyarlar. Bu ayakkabılar, şömine ya da evin giriş kapısının önüne bırakılır.

Bu noktada hikaye de Noel Baba karakterinin özellikleri de netleşmeye başlamış olmalı.

Gelelim Noel Baba'nın özelliklerine katkıda bulunan ikinci karaktere, yani Kris Kringle'a...

Martin Luther sadece Katolik mezhebine değil, Aziz Nicholas Günü'nün ticarileştirilmesine de karşı çıkıp Kris Kringle'ı destekledi.

Kris Kringle kim?

Kris Kringle, İngilizce'de "Christ Child" anlamına gelen Almanca Christkindl'den türemiştir.

Aziz Nicholas Günü'nün ticarileştirilmiş geleneklerine karşı bir hamle olarak Martin Luther tarafından desteklenen bu figür, genç İsa'nın temsili olan bir çocuktur.

Geleneksel olarak evlere gelir, Hıristiyanlığın ve İncil'in armağanlarının bir sembolü olarak kullandığı hediyeleri bırakırdı. Efsaneye göre Christkindl, yalnızca evin sakinleri uyurken ortaya çıkıyor ve bu nedenle asla kişisel olarak görülmüyordu.

O nedenle tombulca, kırmızı kıyafetli güleç yüzlü, beyaz sakallı bir ihtiyar, yani sevimli ve zararsız yaşlı bir dede kadar ilgi görmedi. Ancak Noel Baba'ya uyku sırasında gizlice hediye dağıtma özelliğini kazandırdı.

[Fotoğraf: Reuters]

Noel Baba'nın kar ve kış ile ilişkisi

Old Man Winter kış gün dönümü pagan kutlamaları sırasında geleneksel bir figürdü.

Hikayesi, evden eve seyahat ettiğini ve insanların ona yiyecek, içecek ikram ettiğini anlatıyor. Karşılığında güzel bir kış bereketi bahşediyordu. Tıpkı Noel Baba'ya verdiği hediyeler karşılığında ikram edilen kurabiyeler gibi...

Yani Pagan kış gün dönümü bayramını unutturmak için çıkılan yolda Noel Baba o bayramın en belirgin figürünü de kendi özelliklerine eklemiş oldu. Böylece Hristiyanlaşan Paganlar için ne hatırlanacak bir bayram ne de o bayramdan bir kahraman ya da figür kalmıştı ortada.

Şöyle bir toparlarsak Noel Baba, Sinterklaas gibi çocukların taleplerini mektupla alıyor, uslu ve çalışkan çocukları belirliyor, St.Nicholas gibi yardımsever ve karşılıksız hediyeler veriyor, Kris Kringle gibi çocuklara bu hediyeleri uyuduklarında bırakıyor ve karşılığında Old Man Winter gibi kurabiye alıyor.

İçine hediye bırakılması için kapıya ya da şömine önüne bırakılan ayakkabıların yerini de çorap, atının yerini ise geyikler almış durumda.

İşin süsü ise, uçabilen geyiklerin çektiği kızak, Kuzey Kutbu'ndaki atölye ve diğer tüm öğeler.

Elbette çam ağacı, süsler ve hediyeler...

[Fotoğraf: Coca Cola]

Ekonomik kriz ve Noel Baba

Peki nasıl oldu da Noel baba bir efsaneden ve sadece Noel zamanları anlatılan o sıcak masallardan ibaretken bir pazarlama öğesine dönüştü?

İşte o dönüşüm kapitalizmin kalesinde, Amerika'da oldu.

Thomas Nast, 1863'te ilk karikatür çizimlerini yapmış ve Noel Baba bu çizimlerde dini mesaj vermeyen, biraz daha seküler bir karakter olarak gösterilmişti.

[ABD'li karikatürist Thomas Nast'ın çizdiği tarihteki ilk noel baba karikatürü (Harper's Weekly dergisi 3 Ocak 1863)]

1929'da büyük ekonomik kriz çıkınca satış yapamayan markalar hayatta kalmak için bir çıkış yolu aramaya başladı.

Bu krizde Coca Cola'nın can simidi Santa Claus yani Noel Baba oldu. Onun imajı, 1930'lu yıllarda, kolanın Noel reklamları kapsamında Haddon Sundblom'un çizimleriyle bugünkü şeklini aldı.

[National Geographic (1951)]

Daha önce yeşil dahil olmak üzere farklı renkte pelerinleri olan, bazen insan bazen başka bir yaratık görünümünde karşımıza çıkan Noel Baba bu reklamlardan sonra Coca Cola'nın logo rengi olan kırmızıya bürünen beyaz sakallı, göbekli, neşeli yaşlı adam oldu.

Yani Noel Baba'yı Coca Cola tamamen ticari gerekçelerle yeniden yarattı. Üstelik o kadar başarılı oldu ki, binlerce firma ürünlerini o karakter üzerinden pazarlamaya başladı. Sonunda hediyeler getiren, ihtiyaç sahiplerinin fakirlerin azizi yıl sonunda milyarlarca dolarlık bir tüketim çılgınlığını masum gösteren, maskeleyen yüze dönüştü.

[Fotoğraf: Getty Images]

Yılbaşına sayılı gün kaldı. Bu yıl yine kutlamalar olacak, kutlamalara karşı çıkanlar olacak, karşılıklı savlar öne sürülecek, tartışmalar yapılacak.

Tüm bunlar olurken bu yıl yine milyarlarca dolarlık satış yapılacak, tüketim çılgınlığına yeni bir halka eklenecek, gerekli gereksiz, kullanılacak ya da bir kenarda unutulacak hediyeler sırf pazarlamacılar öyle istedi diye "gelenekmiş" gibi satın alınacak.

Ve bu yıl yine milyonlarca insan sırf bir içecek markası logosunun rengiyle yılbaşını özdeşleştirmeyi başardığı için, birileri "o renkte olmazsa dileğin tutmaz" dediği için, o logonun rengindeki kıyafetle yeni yıla girecek.

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Antalya'dan dünyaya: Kimdir bu Noel Baba?

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Bir Hristiyan bayramı olan Noel, takvim itibarıyla kutlanan yılbaşı ve bu ikisinin ortasında elinde hediyeleriyle, kırmızılar içinde beyaz sakallı yaşlı bir adam. Noel Baba... İyi de bütün bunlar nasıl bir araya geldi. Noel Baba aslında kim? Gelin yakından bakalım.

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In our culture, Santa Claus is called as "Noel Baba". He screams "Ho-Ho" and gives presents to children at Christmas. He helps people in need and makes good deeds everytime.

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The name of this vegatable is "Börülce" and it is grown in the west coasts of Turkey, Aegean region. We make it as meal and salad.

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This year I will prioritize taking good fats especially olive oil in my diet

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Maria Mou, Giannis Z, Tasia A--> Acharnes, Greece

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Maria Mou, Giannis Z, Tasia A--> Acharnes, Greece

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In Greece durring Christmas we cook pork sausages. this is the recipe we used in 2nd Evening Vocational School this year: Ingredients

- 10-12 sausages

- 5 kg pork meat for sausages, ground with a coarse grinder suitable for sausages

- 1 pork intestine (about 1 kg)

- 1,500 g leeks, white part coarsely chopped in a food processor (I only use 150 g because it upsets our stomach)

- 100 g coarse salt

- 10 g ground black pepper

- 25 g cinnamon

- 10 g cloves

- Zest of 2 large oranges

- 5 g allspice (optional)

- 5 g sweet paprika (optional)

- 5 g oregano (optional)

- 5 g crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash the intestines thoroughly with plenty of running water, cut them to the desired length, and soak them in water and vinegar for a while.

2. Add the spices to the meat and mix all the ingredients very well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Let the mixture "rest" and marinate for 8-14 hours (usually overnight).

3. The next day, knead the mixture again for 2-3 minutes. Take a small amount and shape it into a meatball. Cook it in a pan or fry it in a bit of oil to test if the seasoning is to your liking and adjust if needed.

4. Using a sausage stuffing machine, fill the sausages one by one and tie the ends with string.

5. Hang the sausages in a cool, well-ventilated place (an empty room in the house or in the storage). Leave them there for 10-15 days until they dry out and start to wrinkle. Alternatively, store them in the freezer, wrapped individually in plastic wrap or in nylon bags.

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The sweet kourabies is

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Dennis I totally agree with the diples sweet! Mine favorite too!

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I wanted to share this from my home island

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Κάλαντα Χίου Πρωτοχρονιάς - Bracera

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In Slovakia , we do not lots of exotic fruits normaly but Christmas time is exception. We eat lots of avocados, tangerines, oranges and lychee. That is why I love Christmas.

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We always prepare everything together in morning. We prepare fish and potato salad, then we start to cook delicious soup called kapustnica. We clean our dinner room and table. Then I bring big white tablecloth. I put it on the table, then my siblings help me to arrange plates and cutlery.

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Three good things that happend:

1. My favorite writer just finished new series!

2. I learned how to draw faces

3. I got a little betta fish as a b-day gift

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In my country, we eat sweet christmas bread called vianočka. It is my favorite Christmas food, I love to eat it with honey.

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I will try to eat less sweets and maybe i will give chance to fish.

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Christmas market in Prešov

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I our culture, we have Saint Nicolaus. He looks similiar to Santa Claus. He puts sweets and money into boots, that are clean and on the window.

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Traditional Christmas "kapustnica"

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In our house, my sister always prepares the Christmas table. She sets up the plates and cutlery. It is a custom in our country to set up one more plate, if a stranger or a homeless person was left alone and wanted to eat the Christmas dinner with us.

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I am an atheist so I dont really celebrate Christmas. But we do leave an empty plate and a set of cutlery for a stranger in need.

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In Slovakia Santa Claus is known as Mikuláš , celebrated on December 6th, which is St. Nicholas Day. On the eve of this day, children clean their shoes and place them by the window, hoping that Mikulas will fill them with with sweets or fruits. He is accompanied by an angel and a devil. The angel rewards well-behaved children while the devil carries carbon to give it to the bad-behaved children.

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Skiing trip to Italy.

I was for the first time in Greece.

I made new friends.

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1. family

2. friends

3. health

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In Slovakia, we have a sweet Christmas bread. It's called "vianočka". Most people buy it in a shop but some people make their own. It's made out of sweet dough and you can even put raisins or almods in it.

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I have a beautiful memory of having Christmas dinner with my family, we were on vacation in Spain and got to try their cuisine and traditional Christmas meals. It was very interesting and I was very glad that I was able to try new things.

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SOUR CABBAGE SOUP

Ingredients:

1. 1000 g (about 2 lb) sauerkraut, drained

2. 400 g (7 oz) smoked sausage or klobasa, sliced

3. 500 g pork meat (pork shoulder)

4. 100 g (3.5 oz) dried mushrooms

5. 1 large onion, finely chopped

6. 3 garlic cloves, minced

7. 1 tsp paprika

8. 1/4 tsp black pepper

9. 1/2 tsp caraway seeds

10. 2 bay leaves

11. 1 tbsp oil or lard

12. 2 liters (about 8 cups) beef or vegetable broth

13. 100 ml (about 1/2 cup) sour cream (optional)

14. Salt, to taste

Directions:

In a large pot, heat the oil or lard over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

Adding Sausage

Add the sliced smoked sausage or klobasa, and roughly chopped pork shoulder to the pot and let it brown lightly. The meat should be “closed” from all sides.

Spices

Sprinkle in the paprika, black pepper, caraway seeds, and bay leaves. Stir well to coat the sausage the meat, and onions.

Sauerkraut and Mushrooms

Add the drained sauerkraut and chopped mushrooms to the pot. Mix well.

Broth

Pour the beef or vegetable broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer for about 30-40 minutes.

Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the salt as needed. Kapustnica should have a pleasant balance of sourness from the sauerkraut and smokiness from the sausage.

Serving

Swirl in some sour cream just before serving (optional) for a creamy touch. Serve the soup hot, ideally with a slice of hearty rye bread on the side.

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I agree with this statement. Food is not only about survival, but it brings people together. Traditional dishes remind us of our heritage and give us a sense of belonging. Food play a big role in making our lives richer and more connected.

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Lets play new year word game!

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New Year's Day Word Search on PrimaryGames.com

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Stimulate your brain with a classic game of word search featuring New Year's Day vocabulary words! Each word on the list is hidden in the pool of letters. Words may be hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally, forward, or backward. The words are randomly placed in the puzzle, so you can play it over and over again.

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Happy new year 2024

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A snowball quiz is a fun way to progressively build on previous questions. Here's a set of questions where each one builds on the information given in the previous answers

Snowball Quiz

#### Question 1:

What is the primary fish used in a traditional Slovak Christmas Eve dinner?

#### Answer 1:

Carp

#### Question 2:

When preparing Slovak carp, what citrus fruit is commonly used in the marinating process?

#### Answer 2:

Lemon

#### Question 3:

Which two dry ingredients are used to coat the carp before frying?

#### Answer 3:

Flour and breadcrumbs

#### Question 4:

What additional liquid ingredient is used alongside flour and breadcrumbs to coat the carp?

#### Answer 4:

Beaten egg

#### Question 5:

In what type of oil is the carp traditionally fried?

#### Answer 5:

Sunflower or vegetable oil

#### Question 6:

Name a traditional side dish that is often served with Slovak carp.

#### Answer 6:

Potato salad

#### Question 7:

What type of soup, made with sauerkraut, is typically served as a starter with Slovak carp?

#### Answer 7:

Cabbage soup (Kapustnica)

#### Question 8:

What two herbs can be added to the carp marinade for extra flavor?

#### Answer 8:

Dill or thyme

#### Question 9:

What leafy garnish is often used to decorate the fried carp before serving?

#### Answer 9:

Fresh parsley

#### Question 10:

What is an important tip to remember when frying the carp to ensure a crispy coating?

#### Answer 10:

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying and do not overcrowd the pan.

These questions and answers build on each other, creating a comprehensive quiz about preparing and serving Slovak carp.

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Christmas carp:

Cooking Slovak-style carp is a traditional dish often prepared for Christmas Eve dinner. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cook it:

### Ingredients:

- 1 whole carp (cleaned and gutted)

- 1 lemon

- 1 onion

- 3-4 cloves of garlic

- 2-3 tablespoons of flour

- 1 egg

- Breadcrumbs

- Salt

- Pepper

- Paprika

- Fresh parsley (optional)

- Oil for frying (sunflower or vegetable oil)

### Instructions:

#### 1. Prepare the Carp

- Clean the carp: Rinse the carp thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.

- Fillet the carp: Cut the carp into fillets or steaks, about 1-2 inches thick. You can also leave it whole if you prefer.

- Marinate the carp: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the carp pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and a little paprika. Place the carp in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to marinate.

#### 2. Prepare the Coating

- Prepare the flour: Spread the flour on a plate.

- Beat the egg: In a shallow dish, beat one egg.

- Prepare the breadcrumbs: Spread breadcrumbs on another plate. You can season the breadcrumbs with a bit of salt and pepper if desired.

#### 3. Coat the Carp

- Coat the carp pieces: Dredge each piece of marinated carp in flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.

#### 4. Fry the Carp

- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, pour enough oil to cover the bottom (about 1/4 inch deep). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it is hot but not smoking.

- Fry the carp: Carefully place the coated carp pieces in the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the fish is cooked through.

- Drain the excess oil: Remove the fried carp from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

#### 5. Serve

- Garnish and serve: Transfer the fried carp to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.

### Traditional Accompaniments:

- Potato salad: A classic Slovak potato salad made with potatoes, pickles, onions, carrots, peas, and a dressing of mayonnaise and mustard.

- Cabbage soup (Kapustnica): A hearty soup made with sauerkraut, sausage, mushrooms, and spices, often served as a starter.

- Sauerkraut: A tangy and crunchy side dish that pairs well with the richness of the fried carp.

### Tips:

- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy coating.

- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. Fry in batches if necessary.

- You can add herbs like dill or thyme to the marinade for extra flavor.

Enjoy your traditional Slovak-style carp!

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On Christmas Eve, young Emily stood by the snowy shore, clutching a magical pepper her grandmother had given her. She closed her eyes and wished for her family's happiness.

Suddenly, a glowing tortoise emerged from the waves. "Your wish is heard," it said, "for the magic of Christmas lies in your pure heart." With a wave of its flipper, the tortoise vanished.

Emily ran home to find her family gathered, their hearts filled with joy. The village felt the true magic of Christmas, carried on the waves and the wish of a pure soul.

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In a cozy village nestled by a snowy forest, Christmas was a magical time. This year, a wave of excitement spread as villagers whispered about a mysterious visitor. On Christmas Eve, a young girl named Clara discovered a shimmering tortoise named Pep in the forest.

"Hello," Clara said, amazed. "You can talk!"

"Indeed," replied Pep. "I am here to bring a special gift to the village."

Clara hurried back and gathered the villagers in the town square that evening. Pep slowly approached the grand Christmas tree and spoke, "Tonight, I bring you a gift not of material wealth, but of something far more precious. Close your eyes and open your hearts."

The villagers felt a warm wave wash over them, filling them with the true spirit of Christmas. When they opened their eyes, the air was filled with the scent of pine and a hint of pepper, evoking memories of love and togetherness.

"The magic of Christmas," said Pep, "is in the love and kindness we share."

With that, Pep disappeared into the forest, leaving the village with a renewed sense of joy. That Christmas, the village celebrated with warmth and love, thanks to the gentle magic brought by the wise tortoise.

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Gingerbread

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Dorota G., Sofia P. ,Ema B. and Janka I., SLOVAKIA

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Dorota G., Sofia P. ,Ema B. and Janka I., SLOVAKIA

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Christmas is the best time in the year. I love our traditions and superstitions , the vibe that it brings. The Christmas spirit means joy, kindness and togetherness

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Rolničky, rolničky | Vianočné piesne | Jingle Bells in Slovak | Christmas Carols

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Once upon a time, in a quaint little village, there was a humble toy shop owned by an old craftsman named Jacob. Jacob was known for his enchanting creations, each imbued with a touch of magic that brought joy to children all around. As Christmas approached, Jacob worked tirelessly, crafting his most special toy yet—a wooden tortoise.

This tortoise was no ordinary toy. It had a tiny red button on its shell, and when pressed, it would gently wave its little paw, as if greeting you. But the true magic of the tortoise was hidden inside, in the form of a small compartment filled with a special blend of spices, including Jacob's favorite: pepper.

One chilly evening, as snowflakes danced outside, a little girl named Clara wandered into Jacob’s shop. Clara was a kind soul, with a heart as warm as a fireplace and a smile that could light up the darkest winter night. She had been saving her pennies all year to buy a Christmas gift for her mother, who had been unwell.

Jacob watched Clara’s eyes light up as she spotted the wooden tortoise. "How much is this one, Mr. Jacob?" she asked, her voice full of hope.

Jacob smiled gently. "For you, Clara, it’s a gift. Merry Christmas."

Clara’s eyes filled with tears of joy. She hugged Jacob tightly and ran home, the tortoise clutched in her hands. That night, as she placed the tortoise under the Christmas tree, she whispered a heartfelt wish for her mother’s health.

On Christmas morning, Clara and her mother awoke to find the tortoise’s little paw waving at them. Clara’s mother pressed the red button, releasing the fragrant aroma of pepper and spices into the room. A warm, comforting wave of magic seemed to fill the air, wrapping around them like a cozy blanket.

From that day on, Clara’s mother began to recover, her strength returning with each passing day. The tortoise remained a cherished symbol of hope and love, its magic a reminder of the power of a kind soul and the simple joys of Christmas.

And so, in that small village, Jacob’s toy shop continued to bring wonder to children, and the wooden tortoise, with its tiny waving paw and pepper-scented magic, became a beloved tale passed down through generations, a timeless story of the true spirit of Christmas.

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Nafpaktia news:Ναύπακτος: Κάλαντα στους δρόμους της πόλης.

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Students have posted their screenshots under the date 11/12/2023 of our Advent Calendar!

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Happy 2024******

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An interesting fact I want to share with you about the greek christmas bread of Christmas is that in the rising process the bread undergoes during the preparation is a reflection of the rising of Jesus Christ.

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I share with you this nice recipy of christopsomo, the greek christmas bread, that every lady cooks for her house every year

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Greeks like bread. No... we LOVE bread. There is literally a bread made specifically for every main holiday, and this doesn't even cover the bread used daily and in religious ceremonies!

(All links open a new page, so you won't lose your spot when you look around! Get information on gardening and cultural traditions, recipes, stories, and more!)

Like many traditional dishes, there will be variations depending on where you are and whom you talk to. Many versions of Christopsomo will simply be a citrus flavored version of the bread made at Pascha, but my favorite is the one studded with dried fruit and walnuts. It's a sweet way to enjoy the flavors of summer during the darkest days of winter. In many ways you could also think of this as Greek fruitcake. You could maybe even say the Greeks invented fruitcake!😉

Christopsomo is sometimes decorated with whole, unshelled walnuts or candied cherries. However, it is always decorated with an "X". This is really the Greek letter Chi (properly pronounced "hee"). It also happens to be the first letter in the word "Χριστος" (hree-STOHS) which is Greek for Christ. When you see "Xmas" instead of the full word "Christmas", you're really seeing the Greek abbreviation!

Christopsomo (Greek Christmas Bread) Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup warm water (about 110 F)

2 packages dry yeast (4 1/2 tsp.)

1 1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup salted butter (this is also two sticks or 1/2 pound)

1 cup milk

5 eggs

zest from one orange

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

3 cups chopped dried fruit (a mix of raisins, plums, figs, and apricots are traditional)

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

8 to 10 cups or more bread flour (measured by fluffing the flour with a whisk and scooped into a measuring cup)

1 egg, beaten

1 Tbsp. milk

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the water and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Add the yeast and stir in. Don't worry if the yeast doesn't completely dissolve right away. Set the bowl aside to let the yeast activate until the mixture is foamy.

Melt the butter and add the milk (do not let this get too hot, just warm enough to melt the butter). In a large bowl beat the eggs until foamy and beat in the milk and butter mixture. Add the rest of the sugar, the zest, cinnamon, and salt and mix until the sugar is dissolved. Mix in the yeast mixture, add in the fruit and walnuts and stir in.

If you are using a stand mixer, switch to the hook attachment. Start adding in the flour one cup at a time. Use enough flour that the dough begins to pull away from the bowl. It will still be soft, but should be able to be handled without sticking to clean hands.

Scoop the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for a few minutes. If the dough is still sticking to the surface or your hands, add in a little more flour. The dough should be soft.

Put the dough into an oiled bowl, turning it to coat the dough with oil, cover with a clean towel, and place in a warm, draft free place to rise until doubled. This may take 2 to 3 hours. An oven with the light on is often a good place, just make sure the oven isn't on!

After the dough has risen, lightly knead it and divide it into two equal portions. From each half, take out two balls of dough about a couple of inches in diameter. Shape the large portions into two round loaves and place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. You could also use cake pans, but be sure to line the bottom with parchment paper or the bread will stick. (Having done both methods, I would choose not to use the pans in the future.) With each of the small pieces of dough, roll them into a long rope. Roll the ends of the rope as shown in the pictures, and lay two across each loaf in the shape of an "X". Do not press them into the bread. Allow the loaves to rise again until doubled, about an hour.

Once the loaves have risen, preheat the oven to 350 F. Mix the last egg and 1 Tbsp. milk together and brush a little of the mixture over each loaf. Bake the loaves for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is dark brown and baked through. If you use cake pans, the baking time will be much longer, about 50 minutes. If the tops are getting too dark, lay a piece of foil lightly over the top of each loaf to deflect the heat from there. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack, if using the cake pans wait for 5 minutes for the bread to firm up before removing them to the rack. You may need to run a thin spatula or knife along the edge to help loosen it. Allow to cool completely before cutting to prevent the moisture from escaping. This bread tastes great by itself, but even better with a little cream cheese! Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Posted in From The Bakery, Greek Traditions & the Church, Our "Village" Life, Recipes, Uncategorized, Yeast Breads & Rolls

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Greeks like bread. No... we LOVE bread. There is literally a bread made specifically for every main holiday, and this doesn't even cover the bread used daily and in religious ceremonies! (All links open a new page, so you won't lose your spot when you look around!

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In Greece we have Chrismats bread 'christopsomo' that we make as an offering to Christ. We feel it will strengthen the wellbeing, health and happiness of our household. Traditionally the lady of the house makes the bread. She mixes wonderful ingredients like walnuts and raisins into the dough. To make the bread sweeter she adds some sugar or honey.

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Christopsomo Greek Christmas Bread

Christopsomo literally means "Christ's Bread", which we make a few days before Christmas. Making Christopsomo is a tradition that dates back thousands of years and is considered sacred in Greece. There is always a cross on the top of the bread that represents the cross of Christ (after putting it in the oven mine does not look very much like a cross, but I tried).

Making an offering to Christ

For the Greeks, making this Christmas bread is like making an offering to Christ. We make this offering with special care and love. We feel it will strengthen the wellbeing, health and happiness of our household. Traditionally the lady of the house makes the bread. She mixes wonderful ingredients like walnuts and raisins into the dough. To make the bread sweeter she adds some sugar or honey.

After making the dough, she uses the largest part to make the Christmas bread. With what is left she makes smaller breads for her Vaftistiria, Godchildren. When they wait for her to bring presents for Christmas, they mostly care about the small Christopsomo. On Poros they call them Koutsounes, although I don't know what that means.

Different Christopsomo recipes

There is usually an entire walnut in the middle of the cross. We decorate it with pieces of dough, nuts and sesame seeds. In other parts of Greece the dough is formed into elaborate decorations that would represent the family's life and work, like a boat, fish, goats and so on. The Christopsomo recipe differs from place to place. We used to make a very simple bread and then just work some sugar in it. This year I have tried to make it a bit more special and it came out really nice, warm and fresh out of the oven.

Bless the bread

When the Christopsomo is ready, the father of the house will bless the Christmas bread by making the sign of the cross before he cuts it and shares the pieces with the family all around the table. I hope you feel inspired to make Christopsomo for Christmas and you share it with your friends and family.

Making Christopsomo

We start with making the beautiful dough!

Add the raisins and the walnuts to the dough and knead it well.

Create a nice, soft ball from the dough.

Shape the bread as I have in the pictures below. Cover a baking pan with ovenproof paper, put the dough on it, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest while you are creating the decorations.

Roll the saved dough into strips and create the cross. Brush the top of your bread with a beaten egg and set the cross on the top.

Decorate it with walnuts and cloves or anything you like. Brush again with the rest of the egg.

Your bread is ready for the oven! Bake it in a hot oven at 200 °C for 25 to 30 minutes, reduce the heat to 170 °C and bake it for another 10 minutes.

Enjoy your freshly baked Christopsomo!
I and the entire Odyssey team wish you a Merry Christmas!

Do you want to cook with Katerina at Odyssey?
Click for more information!

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Christopsomo is a Greek Christmas bread that we traditionally make every year! We decorate it with a cross, pieces of dough, nuts and sesame seeds.

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When I started my own family as an adult, I remember all the delicious food and the atmosphaire I was creating for my children to fell happy. This made me very happy too.

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For the Christmas table, we gatherd with the families of my cousind and we cooked steaks together. I remember the nice atmosphaire with my beloved ones and the good food. This is how I want my holiday to be and now

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I remembre the Christmas table abundant in delicious dishes (roast turkey and potatoes, sauce and all the trimmings). Desserts like cakes and pies adorned the table too and also bowls of nuts, oranges and chocolates.

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In my childhood I recall the smell of the roasting turkey and baking pies filled the air, our family would gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter as we enjoyed our favorite holiday dishes.

It wasn't just the food that made the Christmas table special. It was the sense of togetherness and tradition that filled the room, creating memories that would last a lifetime. This is something I try to pass to my sons and today.

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As a child I use to have many dolls and of course Christmas was an occasion to have more. I alway remember getting every new one that I have until today

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As a child, I recall the excitement that filled our home during Christmas table preparation. My brother and I would help set the table, arranging the festive dinnerware and placing colorful napkins at each setting. We do it also today for our families

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The best thing in 2023 was adapting my pet dog!

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1. I reconnected with an old friend, 2. I took some knitting lessons to learn a new skills, 3. I started gardening

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1) I try to enjoy dishes from different cuisines, 2) I take adequate sleep to feel better, 3) I have a pet

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I spend quality time with friends, I do physical activities, I enjoy nature

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a) I enjoy my home more, b) I play the piano, c) I do gardening

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1. I started running,

2. I travelled a new place

3. I watch more movies

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1. I hang around with friends more

2. I read a book every m onth

3. I cook more at home

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1. I moved into a new house, 2. I continued with my studies in Food Technology, 3. I try to have more fun

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I involve in the communiy service.

I attend seminars to evolve personally

I enjoy my friends company more

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1. I take better care of my health, 2. I have more time with my children, I recently started a new job

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1. I got a promotion at work, 2. I started going regularilly toy the gym, 3. I volunteer in the community

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In a snowy village by the sea, a young girl once found a small, magical tortoise by the shore. As she picked it up, the tortoise whispered, "Wave this pepper wand and wish from your soul." The girl waved the wand, wishing for Christmas. The village lit up with warmth and laughter, and the magic of Christmas filled every heart.

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In Greece, the figure akin to Santa Claus is known as "Agios Vasilis"

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Saint Basil, much like Santa Claus, is associated with bringing gifts to children. On New Year's Eve, children in Greece sing traditional carols, known as "kalanda," and receive small gifts or money.

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Saint Basil, much like Santa Claus, is associated with bringing gifts to children. On New Year's Eve, children in Greece sing traditional carols, known as "kalanda," and receive small gifts or money.

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In Greek tradition, Agios Vasilis is the bearer of gifts, similar to Santa Claus.

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In Greece, the figure comparable to Santa Claus is known as Agios Vasilis. he is celebrated on January 1st, which is both New Year's Day and the Feast of Saint Basil.

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In Greece, Santa Claus is known as Agios Vasilis (Άγιος Βασίλης). Unlike the Western tradition where Santa Claus visits on Christmas Eve, Agios Vasilis is associated with New Year's Eve.

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I believe that sharing meals can create bonds among family members, friends and even strangers, facilitating conversations and experiences that unite communities.

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Traditional dishes carry cultural significance and history, preserving the heritage of communities around the world.

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Food is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers, bringing people together around the table to share stories, traditions, and love.

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I agree with the statement. Food brings people, families, and communities together. Food carries cultural significance, traditions, and memories that bond us. Sharing a meal can bridge gaps, foster connections, and create a sense of belonging. In general food plays a central role in our social interactions and emotional well-being.

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1. I came to live in Acharnes because my wife got a new job

2. My son graduated University and got his Bachelors degree

3. I met my best ftiend Kostas at school

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Christmas for me means a new year, a new beginning

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In 2023 I went through a lot difficult situations but i tried to keep only the good things that happened to me.

1. I made a new really strong friendship with a very important person.

2. I learned from my mistakes very important life leassons.

3. I understood how important it is to trust your close ones(familly,friends)

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Three good things that happened are 1st my children learned how to ride a bicycle 2nd i got a raise at my job and finally 3rd i had very good times with my family in our summer vacation.

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Three things made me happy this year. One of them is the fact that i started to work since i was unemployed. Another is that i changed my car , and now i have a newer and better car and last but not least that my personal life is improving very much day by day .

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In a cozy village, a tortoise named Viola discovered a magical pepper. With a wave of her paw, she transformed into a soulful and vibrant creature. Viola spread joy throughout the village, enchanting everyone she encountered. Her Christmas magic became legendary, reminding all of the true spirit of the season.

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In our culture, we celebrate Christmas as a holiday. What we celebrate is usually the arrival of the new year, not Christmas.

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Yes there is also Christmas bread in Greece. The photo comes from this link because it is not time yet to cook it.

https://www.argiro.gr/recipe/christopso%C2%B5o/