Kala Hristougena!> Travels

So Merry Christmas to everyone or as the Greeks say, Kala Hristougena. Everyone celebrates the holiday differently around the world. For instance, us Jews go to the movies. In Greece, children go door to door playing musical instruments, usually triangles, but occasional violins and accordions. They of course beg for money. Not for charity either. The Greek Christmas tradition I found most interesting is children are not allowed to cry. If you are over the age of 5 and you cry on Christmas your parents will hand you a savage beating. Seriously, within an inch of your life. For most Greek children Christmas beatings are seminal moments on their path to adulthood.