Simple Holiday Dishes from Around the World

The winter season brings an opportunity to gather, share stories, and enjoy foods that connect us to our heritage and to one another. At Melody Living Colorado Springs Independent Living, residents often celebrate the holidays by exploring new flavors or revisiting familiar ones that spark warm memories. These simple international recipes offer seniors an easy way to bring meaningful traditions into their homes, each rooted in a cultural celebration that takes place during the winter months.

Below are five holiday-inspired, senior-friendly dishes from around the world, each with a bit of history behind why they are enjoyed this time of year.

1. Classic Hanukkah Latkes

Jewish Holiday Tradition

Latkes are one of the most iconic foods of Hanukkah. They are fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the Temple’s oil, which lasted eight nights instead of one. This symbolic dish has been passed down for generations and remains central to family gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 2 potatoes, peeled and grated

• 1 small onion, grated

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons flour

• Salt and pepper

• Oil for frying

Directions:

Squeeze excess liquid from potatoes and onion.

Mix potatoes, onion, egg, flour, salt, and pepper.

Heat oil in a pan.

Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan and flatten slightly.

Fry until crisp and golden, then serve with applesauce or sour cream.

2. Simple Chicken and Vegetable Tamales

Mexican and Central American Holiday Tradition

Tamales are a beloved holiday food across Latin America, especially during Christmas, Las Posadas, and New Year celebrations. Making tamales is often a group activity that brings families together around the kitchen table, blending cooking with laughter and storytelling.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup masa harina

• 1 cup warm broth

• 1 tablespoon oil

• Half cup cooked shredded chicken

• Half cup sautéed vegetables

• Salt and cumin

• Corn husks

Directions:

Combine masa, broth, and oil to form a soft dough.

Spread a small layer onto a soaked corn husk.

Add chicken and vegetables.

Fold and steam for about 45 minutes until firm.

3. Italian Christmas Eve Lemon Spaghetti

Italian Holiday Tradition

In many Italian households, Christmas Eve is celebrated with a lighter, seafood-based or simple meal known as La Vigilia, or The Vigil. Lemon spaghetti is a bright and refreshing dish enjoyed during this feast because it uses simple ingredients and represents the tradition of modest, meat-free meals before Christmas Day.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice and zest of one lemon

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

• Salt and pepper

• Chopped parsley

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package instructions.

Toss warm pasta with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

Top with parsley and serve immediately.

4. Swedish Spiced Holiday Apples

Nordic Winter Tradition

Throughout Scandinavia, spiced apples are enjoyed in winter markets and at home during the Advent and Christmas season. With short daylight hours and cold temperatures, warm fruit dishes are comforting treats that pair well with gatherings, coffee breaks, and seasonal celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, sliced

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• Pinch of nutmeg or clove

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• Splash of water or juice

Directions:

Add apples and spices to a small pan.

Add a splash of water and cook on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes until tender.

Serve warm as a snack or dessert.

5. Japanese New Year Soba Noodle Bowl

Soba noodles are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve in Japan as part of a celebration called Toshikoshi Soba, which means “year crossing noodles.” The long noodles represent longevity and a smooth transition into the coming year. Eating them is considered a symbolic act of leaving hardships behind.

Ingredients:

• 1 bundle soba noodles

• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• Splash of soy sauce

• Sliced green onion

• Optional mushrooms or spinach

Directions:

Cook soba noodles according to package instructions.

Heat the broth with soy sauce.

Add noodles and top with green onions and vegetables.

Bringing Global Traditions Home at Melody Living

By trying dishes from different cultures, seniors can enjoy a meaningful way to celebrate the winter season. At Melody Living Colorado Springs, residents often explore global cuisine through cooking demonstrations, themed dining events, and shared meals with neighbors. These recipes offer simple ways to bring holiday cheer, cultural appreciation, and warm flavors into everyday life.

Schedule a private tour today to experience Melody Living’s Best-in-Class care, chef-prepared dining, and enriching lifestyle that supports both residents and their families through every season. Call us at (719) 960-4005 or visit our contact page.