Greeks have been through a lot this last decade, but we are still here and still a hospitable nation, welcoming visitors.

This towel - spotted outside a Skopelos Old Town beach shop - spells out a message to all our visitors, but now especially to those of the United Kingdom.

Long term viewers of the blog may recognise it from a similar blog 2 years ago, but the message is the same - whether you feel overwhelmed by world politics in general, or just need a break, come to Greece, leave your yellow jackets behind, and come, diligent and mobile to just recuperate in our warm sunshine and hospitality!

You will always be welcome here.

Observing the Julian calendar the Festival of Lights as well as the visitation of the Three Kings; one of whom has been adopted as Father Christmas in Western Christianity - is held on 6 January.

There is much attendance of religious sermons. In ways of customs, a plain sponge (βασιλόπιτα) cake is baked which contains within it small presents, usually in the form of coins. The cake is then divided into sections, as many as there are members in the household, not even missing out baby Jesus!

As in many other East Mediterranean cultures, in Greece a pomegranate is significant as a sign of luck and prosperity. There are differing rituals around the New Year and one, shared by other cultures in the Mediterranean, is the smashing of a pomegranate on the threshold of the household (καλό ποδαρικό), or the hanging of one above the entrance to the household.

Best wishes for the New Year from 39 Steps, Skopelos.

A devout catholic friend was surprised when I mentioned that I was fasting, as she believed that fasting was associated with Great Lent.

Not so. Fasts are still widely observed in Greece! In addition to the regular, all-year-round-strict-fasting each Wednesday and Friday, there are four long fast times within the year known as σαρακοστή (sarakosti or forty days), with each varying from the other marginally.

On most occasions I follow them. At least when I am here. My reason is not religious, but as a matter of community spirit and detox. Plus, they are simpler to achieve when there are rules and the companionship of others.

The pre-Christmas fast is the second long period of fasting after Great Lent. It always begins 15 November and ends 24 December. Over the 40-day period, no meat or any products which derive from animal or poultry are consumed. With the exception of Wednesdays and Fridays - days of strict fasting throughout the year - fish and seafood is allowed, every day, until 17 December, which marks the last pre-Christmas week. The fast then becomes vegan suited up to 24 December.

This is why the bumper nettle find, in my previous blog, was such an excitement!

See below some fast-worthy creations shared with others.

Out and about on a sunny day for a drive and a walk in nature, I came across a disused goat pen station.

Therein, and all around it, my eyes feasted on a field of newly-sprouted pot herbs, young wild nettles and wild mushrooms.

I am cautious with mushrooms and tend to leave them be, but I foraged the nettles gleefully and will use them to add to stews, soups and pies. Plus, happily, there are more than enough to share with others.