Ever wondered how other countries celebrate Christmas? What about the foods that they eat on the big day? We've rounded up some of the most traditional treats served around the world during the festive period. Why are roasted chestnuts, savory smoked ham, fruity cakes, specialty cookies, and eggnog popular Christmas traditions? These iconic foods, vital to holiday menus, are fully ingrained in the culture of the holiday, and although used in various ways at different latitudes, they all tend to be eaten solely during this time of the year.
Roast Goose
Before farm-raised poultry came to be, families who lived off the land had to choose carefully which animals to eat on special occasions because hens provided eggs and cows milk. Whole geese were cooked because they laid eggs only seasonally. This bird was the most common on Christmas tables before Turkeys and Thanksgiving traditions took over. Until now, the roast goose remains to become one of the most celebrated dishes at Christmas.
Turkey
With time and with better access to healthcare and better livelihood conditions in rural areas, families grew in numbers and one small goose wasn't enough to feed multiple mouths. Turkeys were cheaper to raise than other birds. Born in the spring, they grew to a great size for a meal when Thanksgiving and Christmas arrived. Modest and working-class people forged the Turkey traditions, although more affluent families turned to game meats to show off their status. Turkey became a staple on American and British tables around the 19th century.
Glazed Ham
A boar's head was the edible centerpiece on the wealthiest holiday tables in Tudor England, a holdover from the pagan tradition to honor Freyr, a Norse god of the harvest and fertility who was associated with boars. For those of lesser means, a Yule ham took the place of the showier boar's head, as it was more affordable and equally delicious. Its mouthwatering taste continues to captivate different families.
Aside from tasting these delicious meals, there are also several ways to spend the Christmas season with your family and friends. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, many families have decided to celebrate individually, instead of in large celebrations in communities. Some folks might even find themselves celebrating alone. If that's the case for you or your family, have no fear — there are so many fun quarantine Christmas ideas you can do while social distancing.
There are a myriad of ways to celebrate the holidays at home. As soon as you unwrap the presents, you can dive into a hearty brunch or bake some cute Christmas treats. After that, you could complete a puzzle, sing Christmas karaoke, or make custom salt-dough ornaments to commemorate 2020. It's all up to you to decide, but the old song is true: "For the holidays, you can't beat home sweet home."
You're going to spend a lot of time at home this holiday season, so you might as well make your space the winter wonderland of your dreams. Set a budget and pick up some new decorations or open your craft bin and make some DIY ones. You can even make cute masks out of paper plates for a fun Christmas craft. And when you're done, you can use them to take photo booth-style pictures to commemorate the joy of this holiday.
Hosting a virtual party is also a great way to spend time with your loved ones! Just because you can't get together in person doesn't mean you can't see your friends and family on Christmas. Send everyone a Zoom link and host your party online. Make sure you've got a few games and conversation starters ready too. Watching a movie is also the perfect way to spend the time between the winter holidays, or to unwind after the festivities end. Don't forget to nosh on treats or sip cocktails (or mocktails!) while you watch.
While Christmas will certainly look different this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Christmas during COVID. The key to safe and healthy Covid Christmas plans is to keep them as intimate as possible. While the CDC doesn’t currently have a limit or recommendation on the number of guests allowed per party, the fewer people you invite, the less risk you pose for your guests.
Of course, that means crowded indoor gatherings like Christmas Con are off the table. But a small family dinner party? It’s doable! Even though you’ll be inviting a smaller group of guests, sending Covid Christmas invitations will make this holiday feel special. As Covid-19 case numbers rise and fall in your area, it’s best to check the CDC’s website and local guidelines for the most accurate Christmas Covid information. Assessing current case levels in your community can help you best make the right call for how to celebrate Christmas during COVID, whether that’s canceling entirely or limiting the number of guests you’re inviting. In addition to community levels of COVID-19, consider your party’s location, the party duration, the number of guests, and from where your guests are traveling.
You may not remember exactly what happened at the holidays from year to year, but when something unique happens, it’ll stick out. Things that go wrong often make the best memories. This exceptional holiday season will probably be more memorable because it’s so different. We just have to find a way to make the most of it.
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Written by Althea Ocomen from Manila City, Phillippines
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