Traditional Christmas Foods from Around the World
What foods define Christmas? The question seems easy.
After all, we all know those dishes that simply must grace the table every year.
The ones that make our mouths water just thinking about them.
However, in reality, the question is quite complex.
Each culture has their own signature dishes, and each family has their own take on those recipes.
So, what are some of these traditional foods? Take a look for yourself and maybe give them a try this holiday season.
Mexico
In Mexico, the big Christmas celebration takes place on Christmas Eve.
This is very common in countries with Hispanic influence.
The dinner takes place late at night, usually after attending Christmas Eve mass.
The preparation of the dinner is shared amongst the women within the extended family.
Preparation starts early in the day with the making of tamales — cleaning the corn husks, making the masa, and preparing the fillings.
The main dish is usually a type of soup or stew such as pozole, birria, or menudo, depending on the region.
Ponche and atole are usually served as drinks, keeping everyone warm during the cold night.
Ukraine
In Ukraine, the main meal is usually served on Christmas Eve, and it centres around 12 different dishes representing the 12 apostles.
As so many dishes are required, the cooking duties are generally shared amongst the women in the family, with each cooking 1-2 dishes at their home and bringing them to the central location.
The exact 12 dishes can vary by region and by family, but they must all be meatless like fish is fine and cannot have eggs or dairy.
Pickled herring is common, as well as types of jellied fish, borscht, fruit compote, white beans with garlic, cabbage rolls, and pierogis.
United States
In the United States, ham is often the main dish of the feast.
While turkey is common in other English speaking countries and it certainly isn’t overlooked in the US as it is seen as the central dish for Thanksgiving.
As the two holidays are so close, ham tends to be favoured at Christmas.
Side dishes generally include some type of pasta such as macaroni and cheese is always a favourite as well as mashed potatoes and gravy.
Bread is always served as well, though the type varies by region.
For dessert, pies are certain to be seen, with pumpkin pie being the dessert most associated with Christmas.
Japan
Japan might have the most interesting Christmas tradition of all as they opt for KFC! Yes, the fast food restaurant.
In the 1970s, KFC launched an advertising campaign in Japan to link their food with Christmas, and it was quite effective.
Orders are taken two months in advance for their Christmas feast.
This holiday season, take time to really appreciate your traditions and maybe even try some new ones.
And as always, have a very, merry Christmas.
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