As Captain Fu Chengqiu spoke during an annual Christmas party the Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) holds for children of neighboring cities, he asked the guests an important question.

What does it mean to say, “I’ve grown?”

As Chengqiu, CEO of the PPA, explained, it means children understand their role and their parents’ role in the economy and in the wider world.

The scene took place at the PPA’s annual Christmas event, honoring the children of the port’s two neighboring cities, Piraeus and Perama. In addition to the party, vouchers for gifts and “food for socially vulnerable groups” were also distributed.

The gesture undoubtedly helped spread holiday cheer for a small part of the financially beleaguered country.

"Your grandparents and your parents have contributed to the building of this big port,” Chengqiu said. “And you -- who are the new generation and the future -- should continue this effort."