Where are you from and what do you eat for Christmas dinner in your country?

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and, of course, festive food. Across the globe, different countries and cultures embrace this holiday with unique feasts and traditions. While turkey, ham, and sweet treats like Christmas pudding are staples for many, there’s one country that stands out: Japan.

Why do people eat KFC at Christmas in Japan?

For many Japanese celebrating Christmas, it's not about Turkey and Ham, but about indulging in a bucket of fried chicken. This peculiar tradition has its roots in a quirky coincidence: In 1974, during the winter Olympics in Sapporo, a local advertising agency promoted Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) as a symbol of both Western winter traditions and Japan's growing enthusiasm for English culture. The campaign, which promised KFC at 7:00 PM on Christmas Eve, went viral and became a national phenomenon.

Cultural Feast: Christmas Dinner Around the World

While Japan's Christmas dinner leans towards fried chicken, other countries offer a buffet of traditions. Let's explore some of these festive feasts:

Japan and KFC

KFC in Japan has been offering a special 'Kentucky Chicken Dinner' for Christmas Eve since the 1970s. The dinner includes a bucket of fried chicken along with side dishes such as Tsukudani and oden. It is not just about the food, but also about the experience of enjoying a Western-style yuletide meal. Many families reserve their KFC dinner for years, even though it can be quite pricey. People often queue up on Christmas Eve to secure their meal, showing the popularity and cultural significance of this unique tradition.

Perth, Australia

In Perth, Australia, the July heat can turn a simple holiday into an endurance test. Even in the middle of the Christmas holiday, the weather can remain quite warm. On Christmas Day, families might hold a large brunch where they serve cold meats and salads. A traditional Christmas alternative might include hot meats, roast vegetables, and a pavlova, which is an egg-whipped cake often served with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

England

An Englishman, currently living in England, shares his unique Christmas feast. This year, he is cooking a rib-eye steak for himself, a stark contrast to the traditional full roast turkey dinner of the past. He reminisces about serving a traditional Christmas dinner with his family, including a rib-eye steak, roast turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings. His meal is reminiscent of a family recipe passed down through generations.

United States: A Texas Christmas

For someone from Texas, the Christmas meal often includes tamales, a traditional dessert associated with the holiday season. Tamales are a type of corn tortilla filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, often steamed and served with a range of condiments. The meal might start with a tray of tamales in the morning, followed by a choice of beverages such as champagne, bloody marys, or coffee. The main meal could be a roast turkey, goose, or a beef standing rib roast. The sides include collard greens with ham hocks, green beans, and buttery rolls. Sweet treats like pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce add a delightful touch to the traditional meal.

Conclusion

Whatever your Christmas dinner may be, it’s important to embrace the traditions that make this holiday special to you. Whether you stick to the classic roast turkey or choose an international KFC dinner, the most important thing is spending time with loved ones.

Keywords: Christmas dinner, KFC, international cuisine, holiday traditions