We know it well and (also) for this reason we love it so much: Greece is a country blessed by the sea. Its culture and traditions are held together by water. It is a nation of sailors in love with the infinite blue but also well aware of how much pain the anger of the waves can bring.

Until a few decades ago, almost all families had fathers or sons at sea.  Every day of the year, Christmas was no different.
The children built toys for themselves that represented what they knew best and loved most, but also what they often thought about, such as boats inspired by the long journeys of their loved ones and the longing to see them again.
On Christmas Eve, the little ones went from door to door to sing Christmas carols (κάλαντα), holding a handmade boat in their hands. The boats also represented a welcome back to the sailors and vows to Saint Nicholas, which is celebrated today 6 December, to protect their dear ones in the wild waves. Αs a matter of fact, the boats are placed near a door, pointing inwards to symbolize the sailors’ safe journey home.

Given the centrality of boats in daily life, especially on the islands, the presence of small boats (καραβάκια) decorated and illuminated in the houses and squares for Christmas is not surprising. This tradition continues today, despite the spread of the more international Christmas tree.
The boat is usually decorated today, December 6, the day in which St. Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, is celebrated.
In a broader sense, the decorated ship also evokes the journey of man. We therefore hope that καραβάκια this year will give a new direction to our path, leading us into calmer waters.  Happy Holidays!