Christmas is a time for family and fun, and—let’s be real—the food! But depending on where you are in the world, your holiday plate might look very different. From savory feasts to sweet treats, here’s a global tour of Christmas dinners that will have you booking flights for next year!
United States – Turkey with All the Trimmings
The U.S. likes to go big during the holidays, and Christmas dinner is no exception. Think roast turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and oceans of gravy. Don’t forget the pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert—the sweet cherry on top of an indulgent meal.
United Kingdom – The Full Roast and Christmas Pudding
In the U.K., Christmas dinner is all about a roast feast. Turkey or goose takes center stage, flanked by roast potatoes, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and “pigs in blankets” (mini sausages wrapped in bacon). For dessert? A flaming Christmas pudding soaked in brandy. Cheers!
Italy – Feast of the Seven Fishes
Christmas Eve is all about seafood in Italy, especially in southern regions. The Feast of the Seven Fishes includes dishes like baccalà (salted cod), calamari, clams, and shrimp. You’ll find lasagna or tortellini in broth on Christmas Day, alongside panettone or pandoro for dessert.
Japan – Fried Chicken (Yes, Really!)
Forget turkey—in Japan, Christmas means KFC. Thanks to a genius marketing campaign in the 1970s, families flock to Kentucky Fried Chicken for crispy chicken buckets, cakes, and champagne. Colonel Sanders in a Santa suit? Iconic.
Germany – Goose and Gingerbread Galore
Germans celebrate with roasted goose or duck, potato dumplings, red cabbage, and plenty of gravy. Pair this hearty meal with stollen (a fruitcake dusted with powdered sugar) and gingerbread cookies for dessert. It’s gemütlich (cozy) at its finest.
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Philippines – Lechon and Bibingka
Filipinos go all out with Noche Buena on Christmas Eve. The star? Lechon—a whole roasted pig. The table also boasts hamonado (sweet ham), queso de bola (edam cheese), and rice cakes like bibingka and puto bumbong. It’s a party on a plate!
Sweden – Julbord (The Christmas Smorgasbord)
Swedes love a good buffet, and their Christmas Julbord delivers. Expect pickled herring, gravlax (cured salmon), meatballs, sausages, and Janssons frestelse (a creamy potato dish). Wash it down with mulled wine (glögg) for the ultimate holiday vibes.
Australia – Barbecues and Pavlova
In the land down under, Christmas falls in the heat of summer, so the tradition is an outdoor barbecue! Think prawns, grilled fish, and cold ham. Dessert is a refreshing pavlova—a meringue topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. Surf’s up, Santa!
Mexico – Tamales and Ponche
Mexicans celebrate with tamales—corn dough stuffed with savory or sweet fillings—and bacalao (salted cod stew). To drink, there’s ponche navideño, a warm fruit punch made with guava, hibiscus, and cinnamon. ¡Feliz Navidad!
Iceland – Smoked Lamb and Fermented Shark
Icelandic Christmas dinners are as unique as the landscape. Smoked lamb (hangikjöt) is a staple, served with potatoes in béchamel sauce. Feeling brave? Try hákarl—fermented shark.
Poland – Wigilia’s 12 Dishes
In Poland, Christmas Eve is all about Wigilia, a feast featuring 12 meatless dishes to symbolize the apostles. Look for beet soup (barszcz), pierogi stuffed with mushrooms or potatoes, and carp. For dessert, try makowiec, a poppy seed roll that’s as sweet as the season.
South Africa – Braai and Malva Pudding
In sunny South Africa, Christmas often means a braai (barbecue) featuring grilled meats like boerewors (sausages), beef, and lamb. Finish it off with malva pudding, a sweet, spongy dessert served with custard or cream. Summer vibes, festive style!
Venezuela – Hallacas and Pan de Jamón
Venezuelan Christmas tables shine with hallacas, corn dough stuffed with a mix of meats, olives, and raisins, wrapped in plantain leaves. Don’t forget the pan de jamón, a sweet bread filled with ham, olives, and raisins. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Finland – Christmas Ham and Rice Porridge
In Finland, Christmas dinner features baked ham served with potatoes au gratin, casseroles, and beet salad. Before the big meal, families often enjoy rice porridge topped with cinnamon and sugar. Legend says whoever finds the hidden almond in their porridge gets extra holiday luck!
Norway – Ribbe and Multekrem
In Norway, ribbe (crispy pork belly) is the star of the Christmas dinner, served with sauerkraut, potatoes, and lingonberry jam. For dessert, there’s multekrem, a cloudberry cream that’s both tart and sweet. A Scandinavian Christmas never tasted so good.
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Vegetables You Should Avoid Eating Raw
Raw is usually the way to go for maximum nutrients and that satisfying crunch when it comes to veggies. But hold your broccoli! Not all veggies are meant to be munched straight from the garden. Some can upset your stomach, sabotage your health, or taste downright awful without a bit of culinary.
Vegetables You Should Avoid Eating Raw
Unhealthy Snacks You Should Minimize From Your Diet
Snacking isn’t the enemy; it’s sneaky snacks loaded with sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. A good snack should keep you full and satisfied, not searching for more. Think protein, fiber, and nutrients. Unhealthy snacks, however, result in diet wreckers that make you more hungry than a bear after hibernation. So, ready for some truth bombs?
Unhealthy Snacks You Should Minimize From Your Diet