English vs Greek Christmas Traditions
[N.B. This is totally tongue-in-cheek and based on wry humour and only a little bit of lazy xenophobia]
English Tradition: Complain about going to see the parents
Greek Tradition: Of COURSE we'll be with the parents. But, what's the big deal, we see them every week anyway
English Tradition: Arrive hungover, eat until upright and then pickle oneself horizontal again
Greek Tradition: Arrive hungry, pick at everything while it's cooking, complain you're too full to eat, eat anyway and then fall asleep in front of the telly.
English Tradition: Watch the Queen's speech
Greek Tradition: Complain about the pointlessness of the monarchy
English Tradition: Open presents before Lunch
Greek Tradition: Open presents whenever curiosity gets the better of you, or just don't give them until New Year
English Tradition: Pork, pork and more pork - glazed gammon, pork stuffing, bacon on the turkey
Greek Tradition: Chicken liver stuffing
English Tradition: Avoid an argument by getting drunk so you can pretend you don't remember it
Greek Tradition: Embrace the argument, add bells, whistles and volume, then pack it away neatly for next year
English Tradition: Board games round an open fire
Greek Tradition: Boredom around a heap of foodstuffs
English Tradition: Pretending to hate Christmas so as to appear cool
Greek Tradition: Actually hating Christmas but pretending to enjoy it "for the children". Even when they're in their forties.
Really, there's a reason I identify as Greek most of the time.