Christmas dinner

Christmas dinner is a meal traditionally eaten at Christmas. This meal can take place any time from the evening of Christmas Eve to the evening of Christmas Day itself. The meals are often particularly rich and substantial, in the tradition of the Christian feast day celebration, and form a significant part of gatherings held to celebrate Christmas. In some cases, there is a ritual element to the meal related to the religious celebration.

History

The origins of the Christmas dinner are rooted in the Middle Ages, when the wealthy would often provide a feast for their servants on Boxing Day. The tradition of the Christmas dinner has evolved over the centuries, influenced by changes in cultural and societal norms.

Traditional Foods

The components of the traditional Christmas dinner vary widely from country to country, and often reflect the regional or cultural heritage of those who prepare and consume the meal.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the Christmas Day feast has remained largely unchanged since the 1800s. It traditionally includes roast turkey or goose, brussels sprouts, roast potatoes, cranberry sauce, rich nutty stuffing, tiny sausages wrapped in bacon (pigs in a blanket), and plenty of gravy.

United States

In the United States, the Christmas dinner menu varies widely depending on regional culture and personal preference. However, some commonly included dishes are roast turkey or ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables such as carrots, turnip, parsnips, etc. Desserts such as pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and Christmas cookies are also popular.

Other Countries

In many other countries, unique and traditional dishes form the centerpiece of the Christmas dinner. For example, in Australia, it is common to have a barbecue given the warm weather, while in Germany, a roast goose or carp is often the main dish.

Drinks

Traditional Christmas dinner drinks vary from country to country, and from family to family. In the UK, it might be a glass of sherry before dinner, and wine with the meal. In the US, eggnog is a traditional Christmas beverage, often served with a splash of bourbon or rum.

See Also

• Christmas traditions
• Christmas worldwide
• Boxing Day
• Thanksgiving dinner