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The Origins of Our Beloved Christmas Day Feast

There’s something truly magical about Christmas Day in the UK - the twinkling lights, the festive cheer, and, of course, the sumptuous feast that brings everyone together.

But have you ever paused between bites of your Christmas pudding to wonder about the origins of these traditional dishes? Let’s embark on a culinary journey through history, supported by classic literary references, to uncover the stories behind our favourite festive foods and drinks.

Along the way, we’ll see how the Christmas spirit, as captured in timeless tales, still influences how we celebrate—both in what we eat and in the compassion, generosity, and joy we share.

I've included a link to the Christmas stories I am talking about on Project Guttenberg so you can download them.  Why not take the opportunity to indulge in Jolabokaflod, the Icelandic tradition of giving a book on Christmas Eve, by reading one of the classic stories in this blog?

Roast Turkey: A New World Arrival
The centrepiece of most British Christmas dinners, the roast turkey, wasn’t always the bird of choice. Before the 16th century, people feasted on goose, peacock, or even boar’s head. It wasn’t until the turkey was brought to Britain from the Americas in the 1520s that it began to grace our festive tables. King Henry VIII is believed to be one of the first English monarchs to savour turkey at Christmas. Its popularity soared because it was large enough to feed a family and didn’t require sparing the more valuable farm animals.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (1843), in which Ebenezer Scrooge sends a “prize turkey” to the Cratchits, exemplifies how turkey became the emblem of a generous, heartfelt Christmas. This act of kindness symbolises not just culinary preference but the moral heart of the season.

Learn more about the turkey’s history here and read A Christmas Carol on Project Gutenberg here.
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Stuffing: More Than Just an Accompaniment
Stuffing has been enhancing festive roasts since Roman times. Originally a frugal means of using stale bread and offal, it evolved into a seasoned companion that perfectly complements the richness of roast meats. Sage and onion became the British standard, believed to aid digestion after a hearty meal.

Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle (1892) features a Christmas goose at the heart of a mystery. While the stuffing itself isn’t the plot’s centre, the presence of a Christmas bird filled with seasonal flavours captures the importance of well-stuffed poultry at festive tables.

Discover the history of stuffing here and read The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle (part of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes) here.  For the perfect stuffing recipe try out Mary Berry's here

Brussels Sprouts: Tiny Greens with a Big History
Love them or loathe them, Brussels sprouts are a British Christmas staple. Cultivated in Belgium since the 13th century, their arrival in Britain in the 19th century ensured these mini-cabbages became a wintertime must-have. Their seasonality ties them to the festive meal.

The modest Christmas feasts depicted in Hans Christian Andersen’s stories—while not always specifying sprouts—reflect the humble origins of many traditional dishes. Tales like The Little Match Girl (1845) focus on compassion and empathy during the holiday, mirroring the honest simplicity of seasonal vegetables that have fed countless families through cold winters.

Learn about Brussels sprouts here and read The Little Match Girl here.
Fine the recipe for this dish here
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Christmas Pudding: A Stirring Tradition
Our rich and fruity Christmas pudding descends from medieval frumenty—a mix of grains, meat, and spices. Over centuries, it morphed into the sweet, boozy pudding we know today. Victorian Britain cemented the tradition of each family member giving it a stir and making a wish, as immortalised by Dickens.

In The Chimes (1844), another Dickens Christmas novella, we encounter themes of hope and redemption, just as in A Christmas Carol. While not pudding-centric, the moral lessons and communal spirit in Dickens’ Christmas tales reflect the shared ritual of preparing and savouring the pudding.

Read about Christmas pudding here, explore The Chimes here, and revisit A Christmas Carol here.

Mince Pies: From Savoury to Sweet
Mince pies once contained actual minced meat blended with fruits and spices. Over time, the meat faded away, leaving behind a fragrant, fruity treat. By the Victorian era, mince pies were firmly established as a sweet holiday indulgence.

O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi (1905) underscores that the true sweetness of Christmas lies in love and sacrifice, rather than in the pies themselves. Yet, the gentle pleasure of sharing treats like mince pies echoes the story’s tender spirit.

Explore the history of mince pies here and read The Gift of the Magi here.
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Cranberry Sauce: An American Influence
Cranberries, native to North America, travelled across the Atlantic to become a modern British festive staple. Their tartness lightens the richness of the Christmas meal, illustrating how traditions constantly evolve through cultural exchange.

In E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (1816), a child’s dreamlike journey through magical kingdoms suggests the global tapestry of Christmas traditions. While cranberry sauce doesn’t appear in these older European tales, the story’s sense of wonder mirrors the way new flavours enrich our festive table.
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Find out about cranberry sauce here and read The Nutcracker and the Mouse King here.
Click here to make the recipe for the cranberry sauce pictured
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The Rise of Vegetarianism: A New Tradition Takes Root
Recently, many British households have embraced vegetarian and vegan options at Christmas. Nut roasts, rich root-vegetable wellingtons, and lentil bakes now share the spotlight with traditional meats. This reflects not only health and environmental considerations but also the inclusivity and empathy central to the holiday spirit.

Stories like Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen (1844), while not strictly “Christmas” in theme, evoke the resilience and compassion synonymous with the season. The idea that everyone deserves warmth and nourishment aligns with adding plant-based options to our holiday feasts.

Learn more about vegetarian Christmas traditions here and explore The Snow Queen here.
Want to make the butternut squash nut roast pictured?  Then click here.

Want to make a fantastic non-alcoholic alternative to mulled wine? 
Why not try Judith's fruit punch.  
Ingredients
2 Cinnamon Sticks
4 tbsp clear honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
12 cloves
Rind of 2 oranges, in strips
1 litre carton of cranberry juice
​Handful of dried cranberries
Method

1. Gently heat the cranberry juice.
   
2. Add the honey and vanilla extract and stir until the honey has dissolved.
   
3. Add the orange rind, cinnamon sticks and dried cranberries and heat through.
   
4. Strain into a warmed serving jug and serve warm.
   

Cooks Tip : This tastes best when served at a temperature of around 38-40ºC

A Tapestry of Stories and Traditions
Our Christmas feast is a culinary tapestry woven from centuries of history and interwoven with classic tales. From Dickens to Andersen, from Doyle to Hoffmann, these stories reflect our changing values, reminding us that the holiday’s true essence is generosity, compassion, and joy.
    •    Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot’s Christmas (1938), while a crime novel, sets its mystery against a festive backdrop of family feasting and secret resentments. Not available in the public domain, you can read more about it on the Agatha Christie website here. Its setting underscores how culinary traditions and festive gatherings often serve as the stage for human drama and reconciliation.
    •    Beatrix Potter’s The Tailor of Gloucester (1903) features mice who complete a beautiful waistcoat for Christmas. While no lavish feast is at the centre, the spirit of giving and helping one another resonates with the ethos of the Christmas meal. 
    •    Charles Dickens’ The Chimes speaks to the moral and communal lessons tied to the season, while Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl reminds us of the less fortunate—a call to share our bounties with those in need.

While Hercule Poirot’s Christmas isn’t available on Project Gutenberg due to its copyright status, you can still read many other public-domain classics that capture the festive spirit and culinary traditions of Christmas:
    •    A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
    •    The Chimes by Charles Dickens
    •    The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
    •    The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann
    •    The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Arthur Conan Doyle (in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes)
    •    A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore
    •    The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen
    •    The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen
    •    The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter

Each dish and drink on the Christmas table tells a story of cultural exchange, historical shift, and moral reflection. From the turkey embraced by Ebenezer Scrooge’s newfound generosity to the vegetarian dishes that honour everyone’s needs, our Christmas feast evolves with time—just as our cherished stories do.

This holiday season, as you gather around the table, remember these tales and their lessons. The richness of the feast and the warmth of shared traditions are amplified when we understand the histories and values that simmer beneath every plate and glass.

Wishing you a very merry Christmas, filled with kindness, laughter, and, of course, delicious food and drink!

Obviously not!

​​When it comes to Christmas, few things bring as much joy as a delicious cheese board or a thoughtfully selected cheese gift. Cheese adds that perfect, indulgent touch to holiday gatherings, whether it’s served on a festive platter or gifted to a fellow foodie. So, if you're thinking about adding some cheesy goodness to your Christmas season, you’re in the right place! Let’s explore all the delightful ways to enjoy cheese this holiday.

In this blog, I'm looking at cheese and its role at Christmas.  Want to hear the extended blog?  Then, you can listen to it on my podcast.  Just scroll to the end of this blog to go to the recording

Why Cheese Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift
Christmas is all about joy, warmth, and celebrating togetherness, and cheese embodies all of that! Cheese gifts are great because they offer variety, are easy to personalise, and can feel wonderfully luxurious. Think of it as a gift that appeals to almost everyone. Artisanal cheeses, in particular, make a thoughtful present because you can find a flavour, texture, and style to suit any palate. Here are a few gift ideas:

• Aged Cheddar for the Classic Lover: Sharp, crumbly, and packed with flavour.
• Triple Cream Brie for the Decadent: Creamy, soft, and indulgent.
• Smoked Gouda for the Adventurous: Rich with a hint of smokiness that’s perfect for winter.

Each cheese can be beautifully wrapped with speciality crackers, a mini chutney jar, or even a unique cheese knife. For an added personal touch, include a handwritten note explaining why you picked that particular cheese for them.

Do remember to let the recipient know that their present needs to go in the fridge and avoid unpleasantness when they open it weeks later to mouldy cheese!

Creating the Perfect Christmas Cheese Board
A holiday cheese board is a work of art that will make your Christmas table look stunning. Aim to mix flavors and textures to keep things exciting. Here’s a quick guide to building a festive cheese board:

• ​Choose a variety: Include a mix of hard cheeses (like Manchego or aged Gouda), soft cheeses (like Brie or Camembert), and blue cheeses for some boldness.
• Add seasonal accompaniments: Cranberry chutney, candied pecans, and sprigs of rosemary add a lovely holiday flair.
• Incorporate fruit and nuts: Grapes, figs, dried apricots, and a handful of almonds or walnuts bring balance and add colour to your board.

Don’t forget crackers or fresh bread to bring it all together! Arrange everything on a rustic wooden board or a marble slab for an elegant presentation.

A Spotlight on Goat's and Sheep’s Milk Cheese
As more people become aware of lactose intolerance, alternatives like goat's and sheep’s milk cheeses have become popular. These cheeses tend to be gentler on the digestive system and often have unique flavours and textures that are perfect for adding variety to a cheese board.

• Why They’re Easier to Digest: Goat's and sheep’s milk contain less lactose than cow’s milk and have a different protein structure, making them more digestible for many people with lactose sensitivity.
• Unique Flavors for the Cheese Board: Goat cheeses, such as chèvre, are creamy with a tangy flavour, while sheep’s milk cheeses, like Manchego, offer a nutty richness that pairs wonderfully with figs, honey, or savoury crackers.
• The Artisanal Appeal: Small, artisanal farms produce many goat and sheep’s milk cheeses, adding a personal touch to holiday spreads and gift boxes.

Consider adding one or two of these cheeses to your board this Christmas to cater to guests with dietary sensitivities while introducing new and exciting flavours to the table.

The Gift of Cheese and JoyCheese is more than just food; it’s an experience. This Christmas, whether you’re gifting a beautifully aged cheese, crafting a stunning cheese board, or selecting a unique alternative for those with dietary needs, there’s a special kind of joy in celebrating with cheese. For more on creating the perfect cheese-filled Christmas, be sure to tune into this week’s podcast episode, where I chat about my favourite cheeses, pairing tips, and holiday traditions.

Wassail is a traditional drink that is associated with the Christmas season in many parts of the world.

A hot, spiced punch, wassail can be made from a variety of ingredients, including apples, oranges, spices, and ale or wine.

Traditionally, it was served from a communal bowl and was meant to be shared among friends and family.

The origins of wassail can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used as a way to celebrate the winter solstice and welcome in the new year. In the Middle Ages, wassail was a popular drink during the holiday season, and it was often served at Christmas feasts and celebrations.
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In some parts of the world, it is traditional to go wassailing, which involves visiting friends and neighbours and singing carols while carrying a bowl of wassail. The tradition of wassailing is still practiced in some areas and is seen as a way of spreading good cheer and celebrating the holiday season.

If you fancy a warm, spiced drink for the New Year, but prefer something non alcoholic, then I highly recommend this recipe that was developed for me, when I ran the cook school, by a wonderful lady called Judith.