Exploring the Tapestry of American Festivity: A Look at Christmas Culinary Traditions
Delving into the fabric of American society reveals a rich mosaic of culture, politics, history, and traditions. While the U.S. may have severed ties with Britain over two centuries ago, echoes of British influence resound, particularly in the realm of holiday cuisine.
Culinary expert Ben Davison, who combines his skills as a chef with his knowledge as a historian and educator at Loyola University New Orleans, observes that the quintessential American Christmas feast is perhaps the most British of our food experiences. “From the centerpiece turkey or prime rib to the classic sides like potatoes, our Christmas dinner table is a nod to British festive customs,” explains Davison.
The creamy holiday beverage eggnog has its roots in Britain, while the quest to replicate the traditional British Christmas pudding, laden with dried fruits, rum, and molasses, has given rise to the American fruitcake. Literary influence also plays a role; Charles Dickens’ beloved “A Christmas Carol” is believed to have shaped American holiday menus with its festive mentions of turkey and cranberries.
Yet, the American holiday table is not immune to change. It’s becoming a canvas for the diverse cultures that compose the U.S. mosaic. Culinary author Cathy Erway, who has a Chinese heritage, shares her family’s unique approach to the season: a lavish Chinese banquet on Christmas Eve followed by a classic American-European dinner on Christmas Day. Erway is fascinated by the evolving holiday traditions and encourages embracing family preferences and cultural heritage over conventional practices. “It’s all about what resonates with your family and the customs you create,” she asserts.
In some households, the traditional American Christmas spread—turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce—is being enriched with dishes that reflect the family’s cultural background. For instance, Jenny Nguyen, a Vietnamese American and dental student from Virginia, prefers celebrating with roast pig, fried rice, and chè, a traditional Vietnamese dessert, rather than the conventional holiday staples.
Similarly, RJ Mosuela, whose family hails from the Philippines, describes his holiday meals as a fusion of American and Filipino cuisines. While the table may feature turkey and mashed potatoes, it also boasts Filipino favorites such as pancit—a noodle dish symbolizing longevity—a staple at Filipino celebrations.
Despite these variations, Davison believes that certain traditional elements will likely persist in the American Christmas meal, anchored by the country’s agricultural richness. As families across the nation prepare for the holiday season, the American Christmas table continues to reflect a blend of time-honored traditions and new, personalized expressions of culinary joy.
The article “All About America” delves into the influence of British culture on American Christmas dinners, highlighting how traditional dishes such as turkey, prime rib, and sides like potatoes are rooted in British festive foods. The classic “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens also played a role in shaping American holiday cuisine, with scenes depicting turkey and cranberries. However, the piece also touches upon how immigrant families incorporate their own culinary traditions into the holiday. For instance, Cathy Erway’s half-Chinese family enjoys a Chinese meal on Christmas Eve and a more traditional European dinner on Christmas night. Jenny Nguyen’s Vietnamese American family prefers roast pig and fried rice, while RJ Mosuela’s Filipino American household includes both American and Filipino dishes, such as pancit for longevity. Despite these diverse practices, the article suggests that traditional Christmas meals are likely to remain consistent in the United States, as long as the country’s agricultural abundance persists.
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