Christmas Traditions

Every family has their own Christmas traditions, and many involve food.  In our family, the holiday festivities always began early.  We had traditions that took place days or even weeks before the Big Day itself.  For instance, we would have a tree-decorating party, and make a big deal of it.  We'd get out all the ornaments, play Christmas music, and have a big spread of food and sparkling juice while we adorned the tree.

Another tradition was our Christmas Eve dinner, which was a much bigger deal for us than Christmas Day dinner.  We always opened our gifts to each other and from others on Christmas Eve, and on Christmas morning, just the Santa Claus gifts were opened (and our stockings).  Christmas Eve day was spent hanging out together, drinking, and eating.  We always watched White Christmas in the afternoon with some appetizers.  Then we'd have the big Christmas Eve feast, then dessert, after-dinner drinks, and present-opening.

Christmas Eve dinner was always fish or seafood in our house.  It is a tradition that had been handed down from my grandmother's family.  It is not a very common meal for Christmas; most people think of ham or turkey or something like that when they think of holiday meals  (although I have heard that fish for holidays is a tradition in some Italian homes).  For us, it was just normal.  We sometimes had fish, but occassionally we would have crab legs.  Alaskan King, of course.  I never liked fish much, but I do love crab legs.

This year we are having Christmas Eve dinner at my sister's house in Ohio, and most of the family will be there.  She told me they ordered tons of Alaskan King crab legs, and I'm excited!  I'll definitely be cheating on my vegetarian diet this Christmas Eve.  I didnt' even ask her what else we'll be having on the side, cuz really, who cares?! 

On Christmas morning, after opening Santa gifts, we would sit down to our traditional breakfast of bagels, cream cheese, and lox.  It is a simple meal that requires no cooking on a day when everybody has more important things to do than be stuck in the kitchen. 

Whatever your traditions are, celebrate the season with joy, and be merry, but be safe!

Happy Holiday eating!