Christmas dinner

This article is about meal. For the song by Peter, Paul and Mary, see Peter, Paul and Mommy.
Roast dinner, often centered on turkey, is commonly consumed in English speaking countries.
Many traditions enjoy dessert after the main course. Here, a Christmas pudding is set aflame after brandy has been poured on it.

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.[1] 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 the arrival of Christmastide.[2] In many cases, there is a ritual element to the meal related to the religious celebration, such as the saying of grace.[3]

The actual meal consumed varies in different parts of the world with regional cuisines and local traditions. In many parts of the world, particularly former British colonies, the meal shares some connection with the English Christmas dinner involving roasted meats and pudding of some description. The Christmas pudding and Christmas cake evolved from this tradition.

In countries without a lengthy Christian tradition, the Christmas meal may be more heavily influenced by popular culture. An example of this is Japan, where a KFC takeaway meal is traditionally consumed.[4]

  1. ^ Kagan, Sarah (6 December 2016). "What Time Should I Serve Christmas Dinner?". Epicurious. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  2. ^ "Christmastide: The Celebration Has Just Begun!". GetFed. 2018-12-20. Retrieved 2020-04-28.[permanent dead link‍]
  3. ^ General Biblical Studies, Interdenominational Christian Training Center. "13 Traditional Dinner Prayers for Saying Grace". Learn Religions. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  4. ^ "Traditional Japanese Christmas Food and Drink". Umami Insider. 2018-12-21. Retrieved 2020-04-28.