December 6, is the celebration of Saint Nicholas, which is not connected with Santa Claus in Greece (St. Basil is the Greek Santa Claus). In addition to being the name day of Nicholas, Nick, Nichol, Niki, and all other derivatives (to whom you should say “chronia polla”), St. Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and travelers. Greece has for Millenia been a seafaring country and has the largest shipping industry of any other nation (here is the source for that!) and thus, St. Nicholas is a very prominent saint for Greeks. Small white chapels are often found along the coastline, so that votives can be dedicated and candles lit for sailors or other travelers that need protection. Icons of the saint are found on Greek vessels of all sizes. The Greek Navy has a special celebration at the Naval Academy every December 6. And traditionally, the first holiday decoration is a model ship which will light up town squares and a smaller version in homes (which always should face inward to bring sailors & travelers home) throughout the holiday season (Dec. 6-Jan 7). The Christmas tree is a recent western import–as is Santa on December 25. Traditionally St. Basil is the gift giver on January 1. Here is more on St. Nicholas. And here is more on how St. Nicholas became Santa in the west.
