Traditional Christmas Dinner

Though a traditional Christmas dinner may not be as rigidly traditional as the prior month's Thanksgiving one, 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.

Turkey

Turkey   is the meat of choice for many families on Christmas. It can be prepared a number of ways, can feed a large number of people and always leaves leftovers.

  • As with Thanksgiving, plan about a pound of turkey for everyone. Even if that seems to small a portion for some, there will be plenty of side dishes to go around.
  • Many families prefer smoked turkey   on Christmas, so as to avoid a Thanksgiving redux.
  • Plan ahead, turkey can take days to cook. A frozen turkey   must defrost. Even a fresh one   is not picnic.
  • Teriyaki turkey   is an unexpected, but fantastic, way to surprise your guests.
  • You could also break up the bird and diversify your preparation. See AskMen's great Christmas Dinner guide .

Christmas Ham

Ham is certainly the number two choice on the Christmas menu. Ham   is a versatile meat that can be prepared in a number of ways. Here are some guidelines to follow.

Goose

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 and very rewarding. Goose   is prepared in a way similar to turkey. Check out MSNBC's Guide on Roast Goose for more detail.
  • Goose usually has to be specially ordered from a butcher or online. Fresh goose   is best.

Roast Beef

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 nice juicy alternative to dry bird options and the sweetness of glazed ham.
  • Leftover roast beef is just as delicious as its first tasting.
  • Use a nice beef gravy   to create a truly savory meal.

Other Meat Options

In addition to Goose and Turkey, there are plenty of other meats that can satisfy the holiday bird/beast urge.

  • Pheasant   is a popular bird for a small Christmas dinner. Brining ,  barding   and braising   are the most popular methods of cooking Pheasant. Pheasant has a dryer taste that most alternatives. Get a recipe and go to work.
  • Quail   is a traditional Victoria-style Christmas day bird. It is usually roasted. Roast quail   is often served alongside turkey, rather than as an alternative main dish.
  • Boar   may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Christmas dinner," but in Medieval England, it was the dish of the day. If you're planning a huge feast, it might be a practical (and surprisingly yummy) option.

Popular Side Dishes

Christmas side dishes mirror Christmas main courses: they read like an expanded Thanksgiving menu. Mixing and matching your favorite Winter sides will provide you with a delightful bunch for the Christmas season. Always keep your entree in mind when picking side dishes. Accompany ham with sweet dishes, like glazed ham and roasted fruit. For juicey meat dishes (like boar and roast beef), potatoes and other absorbent foods will do the trick. There are literally dozens of Christmas dishes, but here are some of the most popular and easy-to-prepare among them.

Side Dishes

Corn   has been a traditional American Christmas dish since the country was founded.

Cranberry sauce   is a good side for any Christmas entree.

Foie Gras   is a favorite delicate come Christmas time. Be careful in Chicago.

Mashed potatoes   are great with boar or roast beef. They can soak up the juices.

Warm buns   with butter spread are a delightful meal starter.

Ever More Choices

Roasted chestnuts   evoke an image of Christmas more than any other side dish.

Roast potatoes   make a great pair with either pheasant or goose.

Roasted apples   are generally suggested as a side for a Ham entree.

Sweet glazed carrots   are another ham partner, but go great with Turkey, too.

Mushrooms   go well with roast beef and other dishes. They also make a great starter.


And Still More Options

Honeyed sweet potatoes   are a tasty treat that can really add some flavor to bird entrees.

Steamed cabbage   is traditional served with roast beef, ham or boar.

Creamed spinach   is a versatile side dish that works with any entree.

Roasted asparagus   can add some refinement to your meal.

Broccoli   is another great side that will fit on any plate. Starter or closer, they work.

Delectable Desserts

Okay, so the meal and done and everyone's buttons are bursting, but the fun has only just begun. Yule tide desserts are among the most delicious seasonal treats available. These key desserts will keep your guests satisfied with warm and full bellies.

Top-Notch Desserts

Yule Log

Aw, the timeless yule log .  For pure chocolate and creme goodness, it beats all comers.

Plum Pudding

Plum Pudding   is a formal holiday treat that is both tasty and classy.

Fruitcake

Fruitcake   may be the butt of many a Christmas joke, but give it a try.

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies   are perfect for the holiday season.

Bread Pudding

Bread Pudding   keep your guests happy. Try a liquor based recipe and enjoy.

What To Drink

Last, but certainly not lease, the Holidays provide yet another lovely excuse to sit down, relax and have a few after dinner drinks with the people you cherish the most (and incidentally, whom you need a few drinks to relax with), your family. There is plenty to drink on Christmas day. Here is a short list of suggestions.

Holiday Drinks

Egg Nog

Egg Nog   is the most essential Christmas drink. Its easy to find and tastes great.

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.

Christmas Champagne

Champagne   isn't just for new years. Break the bottle out early and enjoy the day.

Rum

Spiced Rum   can be added to any hot drink to bring that Christmas warmth home.