Christmas dinner is a cherished tradition, steeped in centuries of history and influenced by different cultures.
But how did we arrive at today’s festive feast? The story begins long before the holiday itself.
From Pagan Feasts to Saturnalia
In ancient Britain, the midwinter feast was a significant celebration, honoring the solstice with hearty meals of pork and beef. Archaeological findings reveal that pork was often roasted over spits, while beef found its way into rich winter stews.
When the Romans arrived, they introduced Saturnalia, a December festival honoring Saturn, the god of sowing. This celebration brought with it its own flavors and festive customs, blending with local traditions.
Goose, Peacock, and the Victorian Turkey
For centuries, the goose reigned as the bird of choice for Christmas meals in the UK. Economically practical, geese were fattened for the season since they laid eggs only seasonally.
Wealthier households might enjoy exotic offerings like wild boar or even peacock. But the association of turkey with Christmas dates back to the 16th century, when King Henry VIII reportedly became the first British monarch to dine on turkey during Christmas.
However, it wasn’t until the Victorian era that turkey became the star of the Christmas table. Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol popularized the idea of a grand roast bird as the centerpiece of a holiday meal, accompanied by an array of sides and a rich pudding for dessert.
The American Connection
While turkey became the holiday favorite in Britain, its history traces back to North America, where wild turkeys are native. Today’s domesticated turkey, a holiday staple in both the USA and UK, symbolizes the transatlantic connection in holiday traditions. Complementary items like cranberry sauce also originated in North America, further enriching the Christmas meal’s global heritage.
A Modern Twist on Tradition
In the UK, about 10 million turkeys grace tables every Christmas. They’re often served with roast potatoes, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, pigs in blankets, stuffing, and gravy. Occasionally, Yorkshire puddings make an appearance too.
But as times change, so do traditions. While turkey remains a centerpiece, alternative meats like beef, lamb, and pork are growing in popularity as families seek variety and value.
From its ancient roots to today’s diverse holiday tables, the Christmas feast continues to evolve, blending history and modern tastes into a delicious celebration of the season.
What’s your holiday favorite? Whether it’s turkey, ham, beef or lamb, every Christmas dinner is a story worth savoring.
Wishing you a happy holiday season, from all of us at AHDB!