Hordes Of Evil Goblins
You should always have a fire burning over Christmas if you are in Greece. This is because it keeps the Killantzaroi away… obviously.
Killantzaroi are demonic Goblins that pour from the underworld during the twelve days of Christmas and enter peoples homes by flying down the chimney.
The fire is a good start, but to be doubly certain one should have a specially decorated bowl on hand filled with holy water. There is a small ritual to perform in each room of the house, culminating in a small sprinkle of the water. Those that do not observe these precautions will be afflicted by the Goblins and suffer fatigue, soured milk and possibly rickets.
Hide The Pickle
Dating from the 1890’s, there is an extra present to be had if you live in the farming belt of America.
Every Christmas tree in that region will have a very special ornament secreted on or in the branches somewhere, a polished green glass pickle!
The lucky finder of said pickle receives the pickle present (possibly some kind of preserve), although only children are in line for this additional gift, adults supposedly receive good fortune for the coming year. The custom is thought to have originated from Germany, when glass ornaments began to be imported, possibly as a marketing ploy.
