There’s something about the holiday season that makes stories feel even more magical — especially the ones that travel across generations. Greek Christmas folklore has always been rich with wonder: mischievous goblins sneaking up from the underworld, brave children outsmarting mythical creatures, families gathering for vasilopita, and gods and goddesses stepping down from Olympus for a little festive fun. These tales were once whispered beside fireplaces, told by grandparents, and passed along like treasured heirlooms.
Today, a new generation of authors and illustrators is bringing that world to life again — retelling old myths, imagining new adventures, and giving children a doorway into the traditions we grew up with (or wish we had). From goblins with lessons to learn to coloring-page snowstorms on Mount Olympus, these books carry the spirit of a Greek Christmas into the hands of young readers everywhere.
Whether you’re looking to share a piece of your own childhood, introduce your kids to Greek holiday lore for the first time, or simply wrap up a meaningful stocking stuffer, these stories deliver the perfect blend of wonder, nostalgia, and Greek-flavored Christmas magic.
Here are a few standout titles to light up the season… Including one of my own creations.
Kostas the Kalikantzaros Coloring Pages (Digital File)
Meet Kostas, the world’s most mischievous (and most lovable!) Greek Christmas goblin — a kalikantzaros with a big heart, a bigger imagination, and a talent for causing holiday chaos wherever he goes.
This beautifully illustrated digital coloring book invites children on a magical journey as Kostas sneaks out of his Greek village and embarks on a globe-trotting Christmas adventure. From New York to Sydney, Montreal to San Francisco, and all the way back to Thessaloniki and Athens, kids will laugh, learn, and color their way through every festive stop.
NOTE: This is a digital booklet that you will receive electronically packed with of 35 fun black and white line art scenes that you can purchase as a digital file (PDF) and print on your home computer for your young children to color using crayons, markers or colored pencils.
After you purchase the digital file here, you will receive an email with the PDF that you can then print on your home computer for your kids. Perfect for ages 4–12.
What you get: A digital PDF file with 35 full-page black-and-white illustrations on single sheets that are printable on any home computer.
Kostas participating in cultural traditions from Greece including karavákia, kalanda, koulourakia, mountain villages and more. Kostas’ worldwide antics include… visits to New York City, San Francisco, Montreal, Chicago, Athens, Thessaloniki, Tarpon Springs, Sydney, Melbourne, Charlotte, Paris and more.
Back home in his Greek village he sits in the kafeneio, sips Greek coffee, bakes kourabiedes, sings the kalanda, dances pentozali with locals, and eventually collapses into bed… exhausted from all the fun.
ORDER HERE
Kallikantzaros- The Christmas Goblin
by Gregory Miles (Author), Sophie Wizard (Illustrator)
Kallikantzaros – The Christmas Goblin by Gregory Miles is a unique and enchanting holiday story that introduces readers to a lesser-known figure of folklore—the mischievous Kallikantzaros. This Christmas goblin brings a fresh twist to traditional festive tales, blending folklore, adventure, and holiday spirit into an unforgettable narrative.
The story centers around the Kallikantzaros, a goblin from Greek mythology known for causing trouble during the twelve days of Christmas. Unlike your typical holiday tales, this book delves into the adventures and mischief of the goblin as it interacts with the human world, bringing both chaos and unexpected lessons.
As the goblin navigates the human world, the story explores themes of mischief, redemption, and the true meaning of Christmas. The Kallikantzaros may start as a figure of chaos, but through the course of the story, readers discover deeper layers to its character and the importance of kindness and understanding during the holiday season.
Gregory Miles and the co-author skillfully weave elements of myth and magic into the story, creating a rich tapestry of holiday lore that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The book captures the essence of Christmas while introducing readers to a fascinating cultural myth, making it a perfect read for those looking to expand their holiday traditions.
Kallikantzaros – The Christmas Goblin is a delightful and imaginative holiday read that stands out from the usual festive fare. With its blend of mythology, adventure, and Christmas cheer, this book is sure to become a beloved addition to any holiday reading list. Perfect for readers of all ages looking for a fresh and magical take on the holiday season!
ORDER HERE
The Kalikantzaroi: A Christmas Tale about the fabled and clever goblins of Anatolia Greece by Dr Nikos M Linardakis
This is the story of the mischievous little devils, known as the Kalikantzaroi. The tale you are about to read is one woven through the fabric of time, and handed down from generation to generation. Now, it comes to you, retold by a modern-day Greek storyteller, known to many as “Santa Nikos.” This story is a new retelling— The Legend of the Kalikantzaroi.
After centuries of oral tradition, passed down from the remote mountains and quiet villages of Anatolia, Greece. It is a fusion of cautionary tales, filled with mischief and destruction, yet anchored in a deeper truth: the enduring triumph of goodness, resilience, and faith, even in the shadow of darkness.
This is the first introduction book from the Kalikantzaroi series by author Nikos Linardakis, along the style of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. For young adults and all anyone searching for an inspirational Christmas story, captivating readers, as a reminder of what the season is about—shared through tales from historic Greece.
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Christmas on Olympus: A Coloring Book for Kids and Teens
by FM Henderson and ZM Henderson
f you know someone who loves Greek mythology, this is the perfect gift that inspires creativity, curiosity, and festive joy! Christmas on Olympusis a beautifully hand-drawn coloring book where the Greek gods and goddesses celebrate Christmas in a winter wonderland. Designed especially for kids and teens ages 8 and up, this enchanting 8.5” x 11” coloring book combines mythology and holiday magic for hours of imaginative fun.
30 Whimsical Holiday Scenes: Each page features a Greek god or goddess during Christmas time on Mount Olympus
10 Bonus Portrait Pages: Unique “Zeus Claus,” “Mrs. Hera Claus,” and more — fun to color and perfect for framing or gifting.
Single-Sided Printing: Prevents bleed-through and allows easy page removal for display-worthy artwork.
Favorite Gods & Goddesses: Includes a Table of Contents introducing each god or goddess, plus a practice color swatch page to inspire color confidence.
A Thoughtful Holiday Gift: Encourages mindfulness, focus, and creativity — perfect for kids, teens, and young mythology fans who love to color.
Watch as snowy scenes mixed with Greek mythology are brought to life — while developing focus, patience, and artistic confidence. Plus, they’ll love the 10 special “portrait” bonus pages featuring festive favorites like Zeus Claus and Mrs. Hera Claus, complete with a name banner perfect for coloring and displaying!
Whether it’s a screen-free activity for a snowy afternoon, a hands-on activity on a road trip, or a thoughtful stocking stuffer, Christmas on Olympus is a holiday gift that brings learning, laughter, and creativity together in one magical book.
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The Lucky Cake
by Anna Prokos (Author), Christina Tsevis (Illustrator)
Billy can’t wait for New Year’s Day! He loves grandma’s special cake—especially the shiny surprise hidden inside. Billy hopes the surprise will bring him good luck. But as his family gathers around the holiday table, Billy learns how fortunate he already is. Follow Billy and his family in a story that inspires sharing and love, and learn the legend behind the story of a beloved Greek holiday tradition.
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Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin
by R.G. Fraser-Green
A thrilling battle of wits between girl and goblin in snow covered Athens… 11-year-old Fotinoula doesn’t believe her grandfather when he warns her about the Christmas goblins. After all, the Kallikantzaroi were just an old Greek myth. Creatures with blood-red eyes didn’t really climb up from the underworld during the Twelve Days of Christmas to steal little children, and certainly not in a busy city like Athens.
But Fotinoula soon discovers that some folktales have more truth to them than others. With her father away at sea and only an old book for guidance, she must summon up all her courage and problem-solving skills to save her little sister from one of these hideous creatures. In the process she comes to realise just how much her sister means to her.
This touching story weaves together Greek customs, music, food and history to bring alive a fascinating culture and a rather creepy festive folktale.
A great story for 8-12 year olds or any lover of a scary story with heart.
