Traditional Christmas Dinner
Though a traditional Christmas dinner may not be as rigidly traditional as the prior month's Thanksgiving meal, there are certainly precedents to adhere to and rules to follow. This guide will give you the Christmas Day lunch and dinner basics. Here, you can learn what foods are surefire ways to impress your guests and some acceptable culinary deviations off the beaten path.
The Main Course
Like Thanksgiving, turkey is a traditional Christmas favorite for American families. However, it is not the only dish that can serve as center stage on Christmas. Many families prefer a ham, while others opt for a tasty pheasant or a goose.
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Ham  is certainly the number two choice on the Christmas menu. It is a versatile meat that can be prepared in a number of ways. Here are some guidelines to follow. |
| Goose |
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Goose may not be as popular as it was a century ago, but it is still the classic bird of Christmas. If you are going for a truly formal and historically traditional American holiday, then the goose should be your bird of choice on the 25th. - Roasting a goose is relatively easy (it is prepared quite like turkey) and very rewarding. Check out MSNBC's Guide on Roast Goose for more detail.
- Goose usually has to be specially ordered from a butcher or online. Fresh is best.
- Don't be afraid to serve less traditional side dishes with this traditional main course; wild rice or a variety of roasted vegetables can change your outlook on this old-fashioned bird.
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| Roast Beef |
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Roast beef is a fundamental part of a traditional Northeastern Christmas dinner. Roast beef takes time to prepare, so keep that in mind when thinking about menu choices. - Roast beef is a juicy alternative to dry poultry or sweet glazed ham.
- Leftover roast beef is just as delicious as it is at its first tasting, making for some fantastic sandwiches.
- Use a rich beef gravy to create a truly savory meal.
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Popular Side Dishes
Christmas side dishes mirror the traditional main courses: they read like an expanded Thanksgiving menu. Mix and match your favorite winter foods, but always keep your entree in mind when picking sides. Accompany ham with sweet dishes, like roasted fruit. For juicy meats (like boar and roast beef), potatoes and other absorbent foods will do the trick. There are obviously dozens of options, but here are some of the most popular and easy-to-prepare among them.
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Corn has been a traditional American dish since the country was founded. |
Cranberry sauce is a good side for any holiday entree. |
Roasted chestnuts evoke an image of Christmas more than any other side dish. |
Mashed potatoes are perfect with boar or roast beef. They can soak up the juices. |
Warm rolls with butter spread are a delightful meal starter. |
| Ever More Choices |
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Green beans are a tender, crisp way to add a little green to your holiday menu. |
Roast potatoes make a sublime pair with either pheasant or goose or any juicy meat dish. |
Roasted apples are generally suggested as a side for a ham entree. |
Sweet glazed carrots partner nicely with ham, but complement turkey, too. |
Mushrooms go well with roast beef and other dishes. They also make a delicious starter. |
| And Still More Options |
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Candied yams are a tasty treat that can really add some flavor to bird entrees. |
Steamed cabbage is traditionally served with roast beef, ham, or boar. |
Creamed spinach is a versatile side dish that works with any entree. |
Roasted asparagus can add some elegance to your meal. |
Broccoli is versatile side that will fit on any plate. As a starter or closer, it works.
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Delectable Desserts
Okay, so the meal is done and everyone's buttons are bursting off their shirts, but the fun has only just begun. Yuletide desserts are among the most delicious seasonal treats available. While you can't go wrong with normal sweets like chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies, fudge, or iced sugar cookies, there are several special items that are best eaten around the holidays. These will keep your guests satisfied with warm, full bellies, and they'll make your home smell heavenly too.
| Top-Notch Desserts |
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Yule Log Aw, the timeless yule log . For pure chocolate and creme goodness, it beats all the competition. It looks nice too. |
Plum Pudding Plum pudding is a formal holiday treat that is both tasty and classy. Just keep it away from the little ones, as this dish can be pretty heavy in the alcohol content. |
Fruitcake Fruitcake may be the butt of many a Christmas joke, but give it a try. It looks festive enough, right? For a less rum-soaked option, try Panettone . |
Gingerbread Cookies Gingerbread cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They're decorative and delicious! Make them yourself for an added personal touch. |
Bread Pudding Bread pudding is a classic holiday dessert in a number of cultural traditions. Try a liquor-based recipe and enjoy. |
What To Drink
Last, but certainly not least, the holidays provide yet another excuse to sit down, relax, and have a few after-dinner drinks with the people you cherish the most: your family. There is plenty to drink on Christmas Day, if your blood alcohol level hasn't already been given a boost between brandy-soaked desserts and port-based sauces . Here is a short list of suggestions.
| Holiday Drinks |
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Eggnog Eggnog is the quintessential Christmas drink . It's easy to find and tastes delicious, but be sure to keep the special Grownup eggnog away from the kids. |
Christmas Beer Many beer manufacturers make specially spiced holiday and Christmas beers . |
Mulling Spices Mulling spices will give cider and wine an extra holiday kick. Just don't forget to filter the spices out after the seasoning has been added. |
Christmas Champagne Champagne isn't just for New Year's Eve. Break a bottle out early and enjoy the day or slip a little into your orange juice for holiday mimosas. |
Rum Spiced rum can be added to any hot drink to bring that Christmas warmth home. |
Tips for a Successful Christmas Dinner
For more information on this subject, see our guide to Hosting a Christmas Party.
- Tackling Christmas dinner is obviously a huge task, so plan ahead to make sure you have a guest headcount and are aware of any dietary restrictions well before the date. You'll have enough things to do right before the party, and you certainly don't want to be caught rushing around to shops last minute.
- Give your guests plenty of advance notice so they can plan accordingly, especially if you're planning a potluck.
- Come up with a budget. If you have a basic idea of how much everything should cost, you will be less likely to overspend. Keep your budget handy and consult it frequently to make sure you're still on track.
- Enlist your friends and family to help. If you are hosting, you can absolutely ask people to contribute a dish, help with setting up and cleaning, and so on. If people offer assistance, accept it!
- Be aware of the fact that some people run on a different schedule, and thus they might arrive late. Consider having a cocktail hour with a few hors d'oeuvres, some board games, or other activities--this way, your guests will be amused and won't starve while you wait for stragglers.
- Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones, so incorporate your family traditions, where possible. Your guests will appreciate this intimacy, and they might get ideas for their own future holidays.
- Prep and cook as much food as you can the night before. The better prepared you are, the more in control you will feel on the day of the party.
- Make sure you take some time for you on the day of the party. Give yourself at least a half hour to sit and unwind so you're fresh and relaxed when everyone arrives. This is a celebration, not a chore, so be sure you're able to enjoy everything as much as your guests do.
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