It is a traditional ritual for Greek children to receive gifts of kali (money) during the New Year. This custom stemmed out of the fact that money has never been abundant in the country of Greece, and that too many toy shops or other shops to buy gifts suitable for children were not rampant either. As such, people used to gift their children, nephew, nieces or grandchildren money which was a mark that they are wishing for prosperity for their little ones in the upcoming New Year. Often people accompanied these monetary gifts with sweets or pastries.