Christmas carries a special feel for anyone connected to the sea.

There’s a quiet glow to winter — a pause in the year — when memories of summer passages, warm evenings on the water, and Greece’s unmistakable light return more vividly than ever.

Here in Greece, Christmas arrives with a maritime character shaped by centuries of seafaring culture.

And behind this season, ther's a layer of history, tradition, and nautical storytelling that many people have never heard about.

Did you know that Christmas, for centuries, had its own sailor’s story?

Before the Christmas Tree

Long before Christmas trees arrived in the Mediterranean, Greek homes would proudly display a small wooden boat, illuminated with tiny candles or oil lamps.

Families — especially those with loved ones at sea — decorated it with one wish in mind: to see their sailors return safely home.

It wasn’t just decoration. It was a symbol of journeys completed and journeys still to come.

And the tradition didn’t stop at the doorstep.
Across seaside towns and islands — from the Dodecanese, the Cyclades, the Ionian, and even parts of Crete — children once sang Christmas carols holding a small decorated boat. It was their way of bringing good tidings while honouring the sea that shaped their communities.

Today the Christmas tree dominates Greek homes, from the smallest island villages to the biggest cities.

But the decorated boat never truly disappeared.
In many coastal places, you can still find one glowing quietly — a reminder that Greece has always been, and remains, a seafaring nation.

The Origin of Santa Claus

Did you know? Long before Santa Claus wore red, Saint Nicholas was known across the Mediterranean as the protector of sailors — and also as a quiet giver of gifts.

Living in the 4th century, in what is now Turkey, he became famous for helping the poor in secret: leaving coins at doorsteps, supporting struggling families, and offering kindness where it was needed most. These simple acts of generosity became the foundation of the gift-giving tradition we associate with Christmas today.

His feast day, 6 December, is still celebrated across Greece — especially in coastal communities. And in many European countries, including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Poland, children receive their gifts on 6 December, not on Christmas Day, in honour of these early stories.

This is why Saint Nicholas is considered the true inspiration behind Santa Claus — a figure shaped as much by compassion as by the sea.

A reminder that, in Greece, Christmas has always carried the scent of the sea.

Christmas at Sea

Christmas at sea has always been a tender yet distant season for sailors who spend these days far from home. Years ago, their only connection with family came through the ship’s wireless operator — the “Marconi” — who offered a few precious minutes of crackling communication across the ocean.

Today technology makes contact easier, but the feeling remains unchanged. Crews still decorate whatever they can: a string of lights in the mess room, a tiny improvised tree, or a handful of ornaments near the navigation desk — small reminders that even far from home, Christmas always finds its way on board.

What Makes a Good Gift for a Sailor?

And because Christmas in Greece has always been tied to the sea — from decorated boats to the legacy of Saint Nicholas — it feels natural to ask what makes a thoughtful gift for someone who loves life on the water.

Sailors value practicality useful gifts travel well, last long, and serve a purpose.

Historically, even the gifts associated with Saint Nicholas were modest and functional — a tradition that sailors still instinctively appreciate.

For this reason, we refreshed our guide with ideas inspired by real sailing life. It’s a simple list of thoughtful items that sailors genuinely use and enjoy.

🎁 View the Christmas Gift Guide for Sailors

Warm Wishes from Greece

Wherever this season finds you — travelling, gathering with family, or planning next summer’s adventure — we wish you calm seas, good health, and a bright holiday season.