Project: Christmas

Christmas was not always the greatest celebration on the planet. Long before Christianity appeared, people noticed that towards the end of December the sun began sending its rays onto Mother Earth for a little longer each day. This was joyful news, a promise of longer and warmer days for people who struggled under the weight of darkness.

And so, in many parts of the world that had no connection with one another, among peoples who did not even know of each other’s existence, the Winter Solstice was being celebrated without them knowing it.

Over the centuries, that celebration changed and eventually became best known today as Christmas.

Amid the commercialism and overconsumption of the season, we can still distinguish several beautiful things that remind us of other, more nostalgic times: homemade sweets, with melomakarona and kourabiedes being highly celebrated; the voices of children singing carols, which, sadly, I notice becoming fewer in the streets each year; and the family table, bringing together relatives who do not see one another so often.

Of course, the atmosphere in the streets also plays its part: the lights, the decorations, and the mist of people’s breath in the cold air, all contributing to the feeling that this time of year has something unique to offer before the year comes to an end.

So we honour the Christmas season with our own gaze, for your enjoyment.