Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, and feasting is an important part of the festivities in many parts of the world. The holiday season is a time when families come together to enjoy delicious food and drink, and share memories and traditions. From the traditional roast turkey in America to the twelve-course dinner in Italy, here is a culinary journey through Christmas traditions around the world.
USA
In the United States, Christmas is celebrated with a big hearty feast, starting with a roast turkey, roasted vegetables, and gravy. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, and cranberry sauce are also part of the traditional spread. For dessert, a classic pumpkin pie or apple pie is served.
Mexico
In Mexico, Christmas Eve is the main day of celebration, and the feast is known as Nochebuena. Traditional dishes include tamales, pozole, and bacalao (salted cod stew). For dessert, there is a delicious fruit salad called ensalada de Nochebuena, made with apples, pears, and cranberries in a creamy dressing.
Italy
The Italian Christmas feast starts on Christmas Eve with the feast of the seven fishes. This traditional dinner features seven different types of fish, such as octopus, anchovies, and cod. The main course on Christmas day is usually a hearty meat dish, such as roast beef or roast pork. For dessert, there is a traditional sweet bread called panettone, which is filled with candied fruit.
France
In France, the main Christmas feast is called le Réveillon. It is usually served after midnight mass and can last into the early hours of Christmas morning. The meal starts with oysters, smoked salmon, and foie gras, followed by a main course of roast poultry or ham. A typical dessert is the bûche de Noël, a rolled cake filled with buttercream and decorated to look like a yule log.
Japan
In Japan, Christmas is not a traditional holiday, but it is still celebrated with culinary delights. The Japanese celebrate Christmas Eve by eating fried chicken from KFC, followed by Christmas cake. Christmas cakes are usually sponge cakes filled with whipped cream and strawberries.
Australia
In Australia, Christmas falls during the summer season, and traditional roast turkey or ham dinners are often replaced by seafood barbeques or picnics. Australians also have a sweet tooth, and traditional Christmas desserts include pavlova, a meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruits, and Christmas pudding, a rich fruit cake served with custard or cream.
Conclusion
Christmas is a time for family, celebration, and feasting. While the traditional dishes may vary widely depending on where you live, the spirit of sharing and community is universal. From the hearty turkey dinners of America to the fruit-filled desserts of Australia, Christmas traditions around the world showcase the diversity and richness of global cuisine. Whether you’re celebrating with your family or enjoying a festive meal with friends, may the coming holiday season bring you happiness, warmth, and plenty of delicious food!