The Greeks decorate Christmas boats as a tradition that originated from their strong connection to the sea. For many Greek families, the father and/or son worked as sailors, risking their lives on the waves to support their family. The small boats symbolized families' hopes for reuniting with loved ones and represented gratitude for the protection of Saint Nicolas, the patron saint of sailors. Children would carry the decorated boats and sing carols. Though Christmas trees have become more common in Greece since the 1800s, the custom of adorning boats continues among fishing and sailing communities.

1. Handmade Christmas Cards
7th
P. S. Nikaia Greece

9. Why the Greeks decorate Christmas boats?
Well, Greece is a blessed place.
Blessed with the gift of sea and
deep blue. So almost in any
house the father or the son or
both of them were sailors,
fighting with the waves for the
bread of the family. The boat
maybe was symbolizing the
expectation of the family to
meet again with their relatives
and their own love for the sea.
Mean while, small boats were
made to honour Saint Nicolas
for protecting the sailors and
for the safe returning at home.
So, children were singing
Christmas carols holding small
boats. The custom boat lasted
for several years after the debut
of Christmas trees in the Greek
reality. They say, the first
Christmas tree in Greece was
decorated in 1833, at the palace
of king Otto in Nafplio.
However, only in 1950 managed
to get massive in Greek houses.
In our days particularly among
sailors and fishermen the
custom fo decorating boats still
holds strong.