Getting Personal

                Christmas cuisine around the world
            
                No matter where you are in the world, Christmas is always an exciting and magical time. Irrespective of how religious we may feel ourselves to be, we can all share and enjoy the many Christmas Gifts that the season of goodwill ultimately brings; the more religious can embrace all of the holiday's spiritual Christmas gifts, while the more secular of those among us can enjoy those of a more worldly variety.

In addition to the more obvious Christmas Gifts that are usually exchanged between friends, family members and loved ones, such generosity also extends to food. After all, there must be something special behind a decision to stay up all night making sausage rolls and mince pies, and then spending most of Christmas morning cooking a delicious dinner. But what does Christmas dinner look like around the world?

In the UK, turkey is a firm favourite; although chicken, lamb, beef and pork are also popular choices. Some families may go for delicious game, and vegetarian options are also popular. And then there are the accompaniments; after all, what dinner would be complete without the Christmas Gifts of roast potatoes, stuffing – either vegetarian or otherwise - and Yorkshire pudding?

And when it comes to dessert, British cuisine has much to offer. Christmas Puddings are among our most traditional sticky goodies. So integral are they to the British psyche, it is even possible to get Christmas Gifts that pay homage, in some way, to this most delicious of culinary treats. And then, of course, there is the traditional Christmas cake. Whether or not one is a fan of the solid, plaster-like icing that covers the cake, who can resist the rich and nutty marzipan, not to mention the moist, rich and dark fruitcake that lies beneath?

But, in other countries, Christmas cuisine is not quite like the food in the UK. In the same way that individual families have their own unique traditions – such as whether on not to have trifle, and if this trifle can contain nuts – other countries have their own unique way of doing things.

Take, for example, the Czech Republic. Although a country within Europe, not only do they have their most important Christmas day on 24th December – at least everyone can open their Christmas Gifts one day early – but the main Christmas meal does not feature the usual cuisine that we usually associate with the big day. Instead of turkey, the 'meat' of choice is carp. And whether or not you're considering the koi variety, carp is a freshwater fish with a particularly muddy flavour that is only removed by extensive soaking in milk. Delicious! This yummy dish is usually served with potato salad – a side order we're all very much familiar with!

Staying with a fishy theme, Christmas cuisine in Greenland would not be complete without something known as Mattak. For those unfamiliar with the dish, although it is reported to taste very much like fresh coconut, it is actually made from whale skin stuffed with blubber. Apparently the Bowhead Whale is a popular choice, although narwhal and beluga whales are also used.

In Latin America, Christmas dishes usually incorporate turkey, as the birds are native to the region. However, each and every country across Latin America prepares the meat in its own unique way. For example in Brazil, prior to cooking, the meat is marinated with a number of delicious goodies, including garlic, tomatoes and rum. And in Ethiopia, Christmas dinner includes a deliciously spicy chicken stew served with a pancake made known as injera.

So, on Christmas Day – or whichever day is most special to you – don't forget to enjoy all of the amazing Christmas Gifts that the season of goodwill always brings. These gifts come in a number of different forms, and aren't always wrapped and placed underneath the tree. Spend time with loved-ones, enjoy each other's company and give whoever is making the dinner a bit of a hand. 

And if you do have turkey this year, make sure you don't gobble!