CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS!
The right Christmas gifts are always difficult to choose at the best of times, and several people often find themselves on an endless search for the perfect gift. With this in mind, more and more people are now shopping for gifts in a slightly different way across the island. This year in particular, there has been a surge in people using made-to-order gift services, and in light of this, there are now several companies that are offering tailor-made gift services to suit all budgets, which are also delivered door to door. People who have used this service profess that it has proved very convenient and not only takes the stress away but also saves a great deal of time.
With this in mind, here are a few suggestions for something a little different this year!
GOURMET GIFT BASKETS
Festively decorated baskets filled with little surprises can create a perfect gift that can be enjoyed throughout the festive season. Gift baskets can be made to order and then delivered across Cyprus. They can be made to suit all budgets and typically include a range of different products and delicacies. These include olive oil, high-quality patés, honey, scented candles, and premium wines. Some can also include personalised souvenirs, cosmetic sets, or gift vouchers.
QUALITY BEVERAGES
Bottles of high-quality wine, brandy, or traditional liqueurs often feature on most Cypriot festive tables. Non-alcoholic gift options, which include quality tea, coffee, or carob syrup sets, are also proving popular this year.
BRANDED GIFTS
Items like ceramic mugs, notebooks, towels, or scented candles with a Christmas theme can also be made to order. These lasting gifts offer something a little more personal.
THE INSTALLATION OF CHRISTMAS TREES
EPIPHANY CELEBRATED ON JUNE 6TH
The first snowfalls in the Troodos Mountains usually occur in December. This brings winter sports such as SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING to the mountains. Families across the island traditionally spend a day visiting the mountainous winter wonderland after the snows fall.
A TYPICAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH
FESTIVE ACTIVITIES ACROSS CYPRUS
The traditional 40 days of fasting end on Christmas Day, and families usually gather for a FESTIVE LUNCH on Christmas Day. This usually features traditional Cypriot offerings along with other more traditional festive foods, and of course, a Cyprus souvla.
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS & THE NEW YEAR
CYPRIOT SHORTBREADS & MACAROONS
Most households bake traditional festive treats, such as CYPRIOT SHORTBREADS and HONEY MACAROONS. Another Christmas favourite is AVGOLEMONO SOUP. This hearty chicken-based soup made with rice, egg, and lemon is very popular during the festive season.
CHRISTMAS PARADES
CHRISTMAS VILLAGES
The festive period is also known as the ‘dangerous days’ according to folklore. This is when mischievous goblins called ‘KALLIANTZAROI’ emerge to create chaos and cause arguments.
A MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS ACROSS THE ISLAND
Christmas can be a meaningful and spiritual experience for many on the island. With this in mind, it is usually celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy every year. Festivities usually start in late November and continue through to early January. Christmas in Cyprus is a family affair, and there are many things to do and places to visit during the festive period.
A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNER WITH AN ADDITIONAL CYPRIOT TOUCH
Food and drink also make up a huge part of the festive celebrations across the island. There are several traditional dishes that are served along with the turkey at Christmas dinner. Cypriot households often also barbecue at Christmas, and special, often homemade, sweet cookies and short breads are given to neighbouring households as gifts. This represents community and goodwill within each neighbourhood.
CHRISTMAS PROCESSIONS & OTHER EVENTS
Cyprus is predominantly a Greek Orthodox Christian country, and attending a church service during Christmas is common. Some villages hold a traditional Christmas procession on Christmas Day after the main church service. This is when people dress up in festive costumes and then parade through the streets. Several villages and towns also host Christmas markets on various dates during the festive season. There are also a number of Christmas concerts and performances staged in local theatres, and there are usually numerous children’s Christmas workshops and shows that are held across the island.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS
Family and friends tend to gather across the island, and fireworks are often used to welcome the New Year. Households tend to bake a VASILOPITA, which uses a special coin hidden in a special homemade sponge cake that is offered to all guests after midnight. The person who finds the coin in their slice is said to have good luck for the coming year. Many villages and towns host public celebrations with live music and other entertainment on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
EPIPHANY CELEBRATIONS
The festive season is brought to a close by EPIPHANY, which is celebrated on January 6th. It is a significant religious holiday in the Orthodox calendar and commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ. On this day, the Greek Orthodox Church holds special services, and some coastal areas conduct a ceremony by the sea. This ceremony symbolises the baptism of Jesus and involves a priest throwing a cross into the sea. Several volunteers then dive into the water to retrieve the cross.
A MAGICAL WINTER WONDERLAND IN AYIA NAPA
THE AYIA NAPA CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
The wonderful winter destination of Ayia Napa promises to make Christmas truly special once again this year, and the picturesque town has once again been transformed into a magical winter wonderland. With the Christmas magic now in full swing, one of the brightest holiday destinations on the island is creating unforgettable memories for all with its festive cheer and its wonderful Christmas village, daily church services, wholesome traditional foods, and various outdoor activities. Spending Christmas in Ayia Napa presents a unique opportunity to experience the holiday season in a Mediterranean setting that beautifully merges traditional festive customs with the region’s vibrant culture. From the decorated streets and local delicacies to the warmth of Cypriot hospitality and community celebrations, Ayia Napa offers an enchanting experience that creates lasting memories.
A MARVELLOUS WINTER CLIMATE
Spending Christmas in Cyprus can be a memorable experience filled with warmth, joy, and a distinct cultural celebration, and one of the most endearing aspects of celebrating Christmas in Ayia Napa is its marvellous winter climate. While many places around the world face downward winter temperatures, Ayia Napa typically enjoys a mild winter, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a pleasant winter escape. The local architecture, which beautifully blends with seasonal decorations, and the traditional buildings, especially around the town square, are adorned with Christmas lights and ornaments that make the place feel alive with the holiday spirit. This enchanting environment allows both locals and visitors to engage in several festive activities. Couple all of this with the island’s long Christian tradition and the town’s festive atmosphere, and all of the makings for a memorable Christmas are provided.
A MENU TO SAVOUR
One of the most significant elements of Cypriot Christmas is the preparation of traditional foods. Most eateries remain open throughout Christmas, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide range of unique local delicacies, as well as the traditional Christmas lunch. Slow-cooked lamb, also known as ‘Kleftiko’, and the traditional Easter soup, known as ‘Magaritsa’, have become staples at Christmas time on the island, and unique desserts like the honey cookies, also known as ‘Melomakarona’, and almond shortbread cookies, that are also known as ‘Kourapiedes’, are invariably in high demand. Another unique aspect of Ayia Napa during Christmas is the opportunity to experience traditional music and dance. Local taverns often host live bands playing Cypriot folk music, creating a joyful atmosphere that embodies the essence of the holiday season.
MULLED WINE OR HOT CHOCOLATE
The beautiful decorations adorning the town and the twinkling lights that line the streets create the perfect backdrop for the town’s Christmas village, which is situated at its marina. This annual event generally brings the community together and features stalls selling handmade crafts, delicious street food, and local treats. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate while browsing through various local products, including different Christmas ornaments, artisanal souvenirs, and traditional Cypriot crafts. There is also a rich program of daily events that include live music, dance performances, live shows, and a Santa’s Grotto, making it a delightful place for families to visit. In addition to the Christmas village, several festive holiday events are being held all around the town, helping to create a unique and cosy blend of traditional festivities, mixed in with endless Mediterranean charm.
A LONG FESTIVE SEASON
The festive season in Cyprus lasts longer than in most other places, and it normally begins during the final week of November, culminating with the celebration of the Epiphany on January 6th. During this period, Ayia Napa offers a chance to experience some of the unique Cypriot Christmas traditions. The town provides an opportunity for all to interact with the warm and welcoming Cypriot locals. Engaging in local customs enriches the soul, and many locals participate in community events during the festive period. Christmas carol singing and local charity drives are often present, fostering a sense of togetherness whilst enhancing the festive spirit. Attending a Christmas church service in one of Ayia Napa’s beautiful churches, such as the Ayia Napa Monastery, can provide a deeper understanding of local customs. The services are often accompanied by beautiful hymns and traditional carols, conducted in both Greek and English, allowing everyone to join in the joyous celebrations.
WINTER WATERSPORTS
For those seeking outdoor adventure, Ayia Napa’s beautiful surroundings offer plenty of opportunities to explore the region’s countryside. The mild winter climate allows for the opportunity for hiking or biking using the numerous scenic paths along the stunning coastline. The Cape Greco National Forest Park provides some breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and allows for the chance to immerse oneself in nature. Additionally, for those interested in water sports, some operators remain open, offering activities like kayaking or jet-skiing, allowing people to enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea, even during the winter months
