Celebrating Greek Christmas: Traditional Holiday Recipes

Christmas in Greece is a time of joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. Rooted in history and faith, the holiday season is filled with customs that celebrate togetherness and gratitude, often centered around delicious, time-honored recipes. Greek Christmas dishes are a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage. From sweet, honey-drenched treats to savory, hearty meals, each dish tells a story of celebration and warmth.

Let’s dive into the magic of Greek Christmas, exploring its unique traditions and the traditional recipes that bring festive tables to life.

Greek Christmas Traditions

The Kalikantzari

During the Twelve Days of Christmas (from Christmas Day to Epiphany), folklore tells of mischievous goblins, known as Kalikantzari, who come to earth to cause playful chaos. To keep them at bay, Greeks burn fires or hang protective charms, adding a touch of whimsy to the season.

The Christmas Boat (Karavaki)

In coastal Greece, a beautifully decorated boat, or karavaki, often replaces the Christmas tree. This symbolizes the country’s deep connection to the sea and honors Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors.

Christmas Eve Carols (Kalanta)

Children sing kalanta, traditional carols, as they go door-to-door, spreading cheer and receiving small treats or coins in return. This musical tradition sets the festive tone for the celebrations.

Traditional Greek Christmas Recipes

1. Christopsomo (Christ Bread)

Christopsomo, or “Christ’s Bread,” is a centerpiece of Greek Christmas tables. This sweet, spiced bread is decorated with a cross on top and often includes raisins, nuts, or dried fruit. It’s a symbol of faith and blessings for the family.

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp dry yeast
• 200ml warm water
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried figs
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves in a large bowl.
3. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and dried fruits/nuts, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
4. Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours, then shape it into a round loaf. Add a cross design on top using extra dough.
5. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with butter or honey for a festive breakfast or as a side to your Christmas meal.

2. Melomakarona (Honey-Soaked Cookies)

Melomakarona are iconic Christmas cookies, flavored with orange, cinnamon, and cloves, then soaked in a honey syrup and topped with crushed walnuts. They’re a holiday favorite, symbolizing sweetness and abundance.

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar (for syrup)

Instructions:

1. Mix the olive oil, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl. Gradually add the flour until a dough forms.
2. Shape the dough into oval cookies and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes.
3. While baking, prepare the syrup by boiling honey, water, and sugar for 5 minutes.
4. Dip the warm cookies into the syrup, then sprinkle with crushed walnuts.

Pro Tip: Store melomakarona in an airtight container to keep them fresh throughout the holiday season.

3. Kourabiedes (Butter Almond Cookies)

Kourabiedes are another Christmas classic—crumbly, buttery cookies dusted generously with powdered sugar. These cookies are often shaped into crescents or rounds and are a symbol of joy and celebration.

Ingredients:

• 250g butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

1. Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and mix well.
2. Gradually add the flour and almonds, mixing until the dough comes together.
3. Shape the dough into small rounds or crescents and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes.
4. Let cool, then coat generously with powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestion: Pair these cookies with Greek coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a delightful holiday treat.

4. Avgolemono Soup

This traditional lemony chicken soup is a comforting dish often served during Christmas meals. Made with chicken, rice, eggs, and lemon, avgolemono is both hearty and refreshing, symbolizing warmth and nourishment.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 1 cup rice
• 2 eggs
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the chicken in a large pot of water with salt until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside, reserving the broth.
2. Add rice to the broth and cook until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and lemon juice together. Gradually add a ladle of hot broth to temper the mixture.
4. Slowly stir the egg-lemon mixture into the soup, ensuring it doesn’t curdle.
5. Shred the chicken and return it to the soup. Season with salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: Serve avgolemono with crusty bread for a satisfying holiday starter.

5. Roast Lamb with Potatoes

A centerpiece of Greek Christmas feasts, roast lamb symbolizes prosperity and is often served with golden roasted potatoes infused with lemon and herbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 leg of lamb (about 2kg)
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the lamb and potatoes in a roasting pan.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then rub with garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 2-2.5 hours, basting occasionally, until the lamb is tender and the potatoes are golden.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with a simple green salad and a glass of red wine for a festive main course.

Final Thoughts: A Greek Christmas to Remember

Greek Christmas is a celebration of love, tradition, and, of course, incredible food. From sweet cookies like melomakarona and kourabiedes to hearty dishes like avgolemono soup and roast lamb, these recipes reflect the warmth and richness of Greek culture.

This holiday season, bring a taste of Greece to your table by incorporating these traditional dishes into your celebrations. Not only will you enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean, but you’ll also create cherished memories with family and friends. Καλά Χριστούγεννα (Merry Christmas)!