As Christmas is celebrated in a different way around the globe, the Dutch are probably the most diverse of anyone. Most likely having roots in Indonesia, it is definitely an epicurean affair. The host or hostess of the party will arrange a choice of fish, shellfish, meats and vegetables. The visitors will then prepare their preferences themselves, using their own cooking utensils and spices the have brought with them from home. Holland also has more time-honored Christmas celebrations as well, with pheasant, duck, rabbit, ham or beef as the main course.
While in Spain you will witness them beginning their festivities on Christmas Eve. Turkey stuffed with chestnuts, pork, other meats and lots of vegetable and potato dishes are on the menu for the Spaniards. They will attend Midnight Mass but not before singing Christmas carols around the beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
In Greece, they will enjoy a large banquet of pork with special homemade bread portraying a representation of the vocation of the family of who made it. This occurs after forty days of fasting though, so they are sure to appreciate the meal. The Czech Republic dines on carp and potato salad while the French, gastronomical masters that they are, have different meals in different provinces. All will enjoy a Yule log cake for sure.
Our Christmas cooking traditions seem to have been taken on by the United States as they employ the turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce as we do. The Americans already use turkey for Thanksgiving so they sometimes will substitute ham or a goose for their Christmas feast. South of the border in Mexico you will find that the seasonal celebrations vary from state to state. Beef or pork stews called Pozole, Hominy made with red chili sauce or fruits, nuts and vegetables are what you will find on the Mexicans tables.
Australia and Brazil may offer a different flair on the Christmas Feast due to the Yuletide season being at the height of summer.
December 25th, 2008
Tushar Mathur
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