I feel I’ve been stalked by Santa and his little helpers. Popped into Select for a few bits and bobs and as I parked up several reindeer stared back out, surrounded by tinsel and glitter, Santa’s in many sizes and other Christmas characters. Special disported Candy Canes and edible baubles and in Louis I was lead upstairs by Santas on every step like a scene from a Fred Astaire movie and I was Ginger Rogers. With winter on the horizon and forever mindful of cold coming the other side of the stairs had electric blankets, just in case among other things. As we walked back through Kardamena , although closed the Pink Elephant was unpacking its Xmas stock. At least Jingle Bells wasn’t being played or Sleigh Bells in the Snow, Can’t imagine it as I am still in t-shirt and shorts. I spoke too soon as the season's begun to change , wet windy, gale blowing and sun still filtering through the sky.
As Kos got closer to to Christmas more lights appeared, more shops festooned with decorations and Street lights made ready for heralding Christmas in.
So a strange sort of Sunday, bright and crisp and my bread making task took so long it was lunchtime before I knew it. Miranda appeared to be having a festive time in Kos town and I was feeling a bit out of kilter. So I persuaded Christine a walk on the beach was a good plan and we had it all to ourselves so when I returned home had to take a second look as I drove past the Dotto train heading up the Hill. Bit weird I thought.....where was it in the Summer? So just got indoors when my Greek Family arrived bearing gifts and wanting a tour of the house and as per usual I quickly went ahead of the group shoving things in drawers and behind doors. I hadn't even done the washing up. Anyway 'Xmas tree gets lit tonight' they said.
So up I went and dragged Christine out again. The Dotto train flashed by like in a Harry Potter movie with kids waving at everyone. Families stood eagerly around with toddlers wearing headbands with reindeer, elves and Christmas trees. Testing, testing again as some man eagerly hugged the microphone , stopping his trial as the brass band marched into the Centre. Father Christmas stood by as the dignitaries announced the proceedings. With not too much Greek I did understand Face Painting and Balloon animals. As we neared the time for the Big reveal the Kids counted down 10, 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and as if by magic the Tree lit up and the fireworks went off. Laughter and joy filled the air and I felt a tingle of nostalgia and goose bumps. They were so excited.
Families looked on as small children gathered round and Father Christmas and his little helper did a Jive.......what can I say. I hope you enjoy the video. The village square once again the centre of things and hub of all activity eventually emptied out with small children clutching balloon animals as they went home.
21st December and nearly there so Five O'clock seemed a little early as we walked up along the High Street. Store holders were getting ready, displaying their wares, lighting barbecue pits and grills and smoke from charcoal burning filled the air. Locals began to walk through, strolling with ease from the Old School down to Diporto and back where the Brits Abroad had their Tombola Pitch. As darkness crept in, the lights on the displays grew bright in contrast and the Villagers came out. Some dressed in Evening Best with high heels tottering over the stones. Others dressed for winter warmth wrapped in thick coats and boots or trainers , although the night was warm. Christmas deeley boppers crowned the heads of all ages as trees, angels, snowmen, snowflakes bobbed along and small children, grown ups and olds enjoyed the event. Two elderly ladies sat on their doorstep watching the world go by and Yiassou, Kala, eseis, tikaneis was spoken all around.
Xmas Carols played out from various doorways , in competition from one end of the street to another, no wonder the elderly man in his one room house had his doors open and sat with a ringside seat for all to see. Teens meandered here and there eating, chatting and in some cases flirting a true case of Promenading. Small children were keen to get their Faces painted and choose a small tattoo for their arms. Bendy balloons and giant unicorns and aliens hovered overhead. Minnie and Micky ambushed people for photographs and Santa waited for his mugshot too.
Souvlaki competed with Corn on the Cob, Candy Floss and toffee apples, mulled wine and cake were just a few tasty treats on offer. Christmas decorations, Icons, bracelets, Fresh Bread, Candles, Sugar sweets were being sold in aid of charity and many more goodies. The Football Stand was popular with the teenagers. Shop fronts were dressed for Christmas and even the dress shop dog had his Santa outfit (grumpy as ever).
The choir gathered on the Church steps, one by one and the teacher in charge was clearly frustrated by their disjointed arrival and each time he set up their standing positions he had to change it judging by the height of the late comer. 'Jack Black' was there setting up the sound system and why oh why he hadn't done it earlier as half an hour in and we were still waiting. The Band marched through and the Band marched back as the crowds parted to let them through. Loud enough to be heard without sound equipment they took the steps and played. The Bazaar was formerly announced open and I went home.
