Traditional Christmas Foods

The holiday season families coming together and family get-togethers are incomplete without great food. Christmas has always been traditionally a time for family and great food. In fact, some foods have become synonymous with the holiday and families would never imagine celebrating Christmas without certain dishes on the table. If you are going to do your family dinner you could use some of these ideas.

Christmas traditions differ from place to place. In the same way Christmas food, especially Christmas dinner is never the same in different geographical locations. The families of the south have traditionally enjoyed turkey or ham on Christmas. But some families tend to eat turkey on Thanksgiving and ham on Easter. A prime rib can be enjoyed for Christmas as well. No matter what the main dish is it is bound to have gravy on the side and be accompanied by potatoes, dinner rolls, corn, beets or fruits.

Mashed potatoes are a traditional favorite. Here is a traditional recipe for mashed potatoes. You need potatoes, butter, sour cream, milk, salt and pepper. The easiest way to mash potatoes evenly and without lumps is to mash them in the mixer. It's quick and the potatoes end up being nice and creamy. Another firm favorite is the green bean casserole. For this you need a can of sliced green beans, a can of cream of mushroom soup and fried onions. Some people like their own traditional seasoning. You mix the beans, the soup and the onions and bake in a dish for about 20 minutes or whatever time it takes for your oven.

Christmas pudding has British origins and is served on Christmas in Britain and some commonwealth nations as well. Sometimes it is known as plum pudding though it may be made of any dried fruit. It is steamed and consists of dried fruits and nuts along with suet. The pudding turns out dark, almost black in fact and is moistened with brandy or any alcoholic beverage.

Christmas puddings have quite a history. Traditionally they were prepared five weeks before Christmas. The Sunday of the week of Advent, known as 'Stir-up-Sunday', is when preparation is known to have begun. Christmas puddings are reputed to keep for ages, for months as well. Therefore some is left over to be enjoyed during Easter too. It is not unknown for families to go as far as preparing pudding the year before!

Not everybody has the time to make their own puddings. Ready-made Christmas meals are available in the markets and these include puddings that you can simply reheat. Christmas puddings do, as mentioned before, have their own history and traditions. These include something being put in the pudding before it is baked. A silver coin is put in it and is kept by the person who serves the pudding. It signifies wealth and prosperity for the coming year. Other items may find their way there such as the thimble (signifying thrift) or an anchor (indicating safe harbor.) A wishbone is sometimes put in for luck.

Christmas is a great time for the family and for sharing time with each other. Gifts are given and joy is spread around. It is also time for some of the best meals of the year. We take time out to relax and cook for the ones we love as we look forward to spending time with them and enjoying the meal with them in the spirit of Christmas.