What do people around the world eat for Christmas?

Christmas is a significant holiday celebrated in many countries. Explore beyond the traditional turkey and familiar gingerbread cookies to discover the diverse Christmas feasts around the globe.

What do people around the world eat for Christmas?

Japan

Christmas Day is often associated with Western countries, but it has deeply rooted itself in Japanese culture. Despite Christians comprising only about 2% of the population, Christmas has become a meaningful celebration, an occasion for people to express affection for one another. Homes are decorated, Christmas trees adorned, and special feasts enjoyed together. A signature Japanese Christmas treat is the 'Christmas cake,' made from sponge cake, strawberries, and whipped cream. It's safe to say that cake is an essential part of Japan's cherry blossom season when Christmas arrives.

France

French festivities extend from Christmas to New Year's Eve. A must-have dish for this occasion is Coquilles Saint-Jacques, made from scallops, herbs, and butter, served in their shells. Additionally, familiar dishes like roast turkey, cheese-filled spring rolls, and foie gras toast are enjoyed.

Austria

Christmas feasts in Austria are meticulously prepared by homemakers. The main dish typically includes roasted ham hock. Austrians also indulge in a variety of sweet treats such as chocolate Sacher torte, Stollen fruitcake with dried fruits, marzipan, cinnamon, and rum.

Canada

Canadian cuisine reflects a blend of English and French cultures. On Christmas Eve, people enjoy glasses of eggnog made with rum, milk, and butter tarts.

Mexico

Mexican cuisine boasts a rich array of exotic flavors. Christmas feasts often feature salads made from beets, bananas, and peanuts. Additionally, there's pozole - a hearty stew with shredded meat, hominy, and spicy seasonings. Some familiar desserts include atole, cinnamon-spiced pancakes, and warm pudding.

Australia

Due to its geographical location in the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas in Australia falls during the peak of summer. Hence, locals have a tradition of enjoying cold dishes accompanied by salads. Australians love outdoor BBQs with lamb, beef, and seafood. Additionally, for dessert, there's pavlova - a crispy meringue topped with whipped egg whites and baked to perfection, served with strawberries.

Norway

For Norwegians, Christmas is incomplete without salted pork leg. This dish has been a longstanding tradition in the Nordic region, originating from ancient Roman times when wild boar meat was only served on special occasions.

Russia

Christmas celebration was prohibited throughout Russia in 1917 and only officially reinstated in 1992. Although Russians don't decorate Christmas trees on this day, they have Evergreen trees. Christmas feasts in Russia vary by region but traditionally include 12 symbolic dishes representing the 12 apostles of Christ. Particularly, the dessert kutya made from wheat, honey, and raisins is indispensable in the feast.

As reported by Dan Tri

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour