Christόpsomo, or Christ’s Bread

Christopsomo is a Greek Christmas tradition, common to numerous families across the country. Often decorated with a cross or "X" (the first letter in the Greek word for Christ), this loaf of bread is made out of the purest and most expensive ingredients. Made on Christmas Eve to be eaten on Christmas day, the bread is usually set on the table surrounded with nuts, dried fruit, and other treats, and it is eaten by the slice, drizzled with honey.

Lahanodolmádes, i.e. Stuffed Cabbage Leaves

Stuffed cabbage leaves are a traditional Christmas dish, commonly referred to as yaprákia in northern Greece while the rest of the country usually calls them lahanodolmádes. Stuffed with a filling of minced meat and rice, it is usually topped with a thick lemon-flavoured sauce. The recipe was introduced in Greece with the arrival of Greek refugees from Asia Minor in 1922.

Pork

For Christmas, all over Greece, the meat of the plat de résistance is sometimes turkey, but more often pork. Indeed, it was and still is a highly-appreciated protein source used to break the Advent fast leading up to Christmas. There are many traditional pork Christmas recipes which vary depending on the region. From whole-roasted pig to pork stew, pork-filled puff pastry or slow-cooked dishes, pork plays a leading role in the Christmas food scene.

Turkey Stuffed With Rice, Chestnuts, Pine Nuts, and Spices

Melomakárona, i.e. Honey Cookies With Sprinkled Nuts

In Greece, the appearance of melomakárona in bakeries always signals that Christmas is coming. These delicious cookies flavoured with cinnamon, cloves and orange are dipped in a syrup after baking, then finally topped with sprinkled nuts. Fair warning, these favourites are so delicious you may develop an addiction.





Kourabiédes, i.e. Sugared Shortbread Cookies

These melt in the mouth! Often made with toasted almonds, they also can be made with other nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts). They can be made in circular shapes, crescents, shaped by hand, or rolled out and cut, but the one thing all versions have in common is that they are rolled in, dusted with, or buried under a flurry of confectioners' sugar. 

Dίples, i.e. Honey Rolls

Drizzled with honey syrup and topped with chopped walnuts, dίples get their name from the Greek word for “fold” and are a traditional pastry dessert that is very popular around Christmas time throughout Greece. 

Vassilόpita, i.e. New Year's Cake in Veneration of St Basil

A soft, buttery cake, flavoured with orange and brandy and a hidden coin inside. Traditionally served on New Year’s Day. Whoever finds the coin is to have good luck for the whole year!