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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.
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. 
Mary Berry's stuffing
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 
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.
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. 
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 
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
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!
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 A few weekends ago, we went to the Chatsworth Christmas market. It's been a while since we have visited a Christmas market, and the Birmingham one is a shadow of its former self, so we thought this might be a good day out. The market was beautiful, and we bought many presents for ourselves, but overall, I found the experience difficult. It's been 10 years since my mother died, and on that trip, all the grief and sadness came back. I missed her and wanted her with us so very, very much. Hubby and I spoke about it on the trip there and back; with a 200-mile round trip, there was time. My Aunt has recently died, and he felt that this had brought back all the loss of my mum. In the end, I took an afternoon off work and tried to do a hard reset on my feelings. By the weekend, I felt more in control, and instead of the grief, I was remembering my mum with positivity. Then, yesterday, our world fell apart. Hubby gets up early to go to work. I make his lunch whilst he gets ready. After that, I go back to bed for an hour or so with the cats. I was just getting out of bed when I got a call from Hubby. His mum has died. I called work, took the day off and today and am trying to just be here for him as he was when my mum died. Christmas is often seen as a time for celebration, joy, and togetherness. For many, it brings images of bustling kitchens, twinkling lights, and the laughter of family and friends. However, for those who are grieving, Christmas can also bring a sharp reminder of the ones who are no longer with us. As I sit here, typing this blog whilst my Husband kills things on his PS5, I’m reminded that grief doesn’t pause for the season. It’s often said that time heals all wounds, but grief has a way of making time stand still. Christmas, with its rich traditions and memories, can feel both comforting and painful. For those who are mourning, the joy of the season can be overshadowed by the absence of loved ones who once filled our homes with their presence. Whether it’s a parent, a grandparent, or a dear friend, the empty chair at the dinner table is felt more keenly during the holiday season.  Image © Melissa Nunns I was trying to understand how grief can still be so dominant years after the loss of a loved one when I came across the concept of grief being like a ball in a box. Grief as a Ball in a Box Grief often lingers long after we wish it would leave. It’s hard to explain to others, and at times, it can be even harder to understand yourself. A way to think about it is through the image of a ball in a box—an analogy that beautifully captures the way grief evolves over time. Imagine that your grief is represented by a large ball inside a box. The box has a button on one side, and every time the ball touches that button, it causes a sharp, painful sensation. In the early days after losing someone dear to you, that ball feels enormous, and the grief presses up against the button constantly, causing waves of pain. Every moment is a reminder, and it can feel as though the weight of the loss is suffocating, leaving little room for anything else. But with time, the ball gradually becomes smaller. While the pain doesn’t vanish, it becomes less frequent, and the moments of sharp intensity grow less often. However, it’s important to remember that the ball never fully disappears. It’s always there, and there may still be times when it hits the button unexpectedly, bringing the same overwhelming wave of sadness. These moments might come in the quietest of times, when you least expect them, especially during the holidays, when memories are closest to the surface. Over time, we learn to live with the ball, to acknowledge its presence without allowing it to take over. Grief becomes part of us, woven into the fabric of who we are, always there but no longer as all-consuming. This process takes time, and Christmas, with its deeply emotional and nostalgic moments, can often feel like a time when the ball is more likely to make contact with that painful button. But understanding that grief is not a linear journey can bring comfort. It reminds us that we don’t need to rush the process or feel guilty for how we’re feeling. Grief is not a destination—it’s a journey. And while the pain may never fully go away, it does become more bearable as time goes on. The Silent Weight of Christmas The holiday season can bring about many emotions. You may feel sadness, anger, or even guilt for not being able to fully embrace the festivities. These feelings are perfectly normal, and it’s important to acknowledge them instead of suppressing them. Grieving at Christmas doesn’t mean you’re not “doing it right”—it simply means you’re allowing yourself to feel the full weight of love and loss. It’s also a time when the world seems to expect happiness and celebration, which can make grief feel more isolating. But it’s essential to remember that grief doesn’t have a set timeline. It doesn’t follow a neat path from sadness to acceptance. Some days, the weight of missing someone can feel heavier than others, and that’s okay. Embracing New Traditions While it’s natural to want to hold onto the traditions that once brought comfort, it’s also okay to create new ones. Grieving at Christmas doesn’t mean you have to give up the traditions you cherish, but perhaps you’ll find solace in adapting them to your current situation. This could be as simple as lighting a candle for your loved one during Christmas dinner or sharing fond memories aloud as a family. If the thought of traditional celebrations feels overwhelming, it’s perfectly acceptable to scale back or even take a break from the festivities. Focus on what brings you peace and comfort, whether that’s spending time with loved ones, taking a quiet walk, or simply reflecting on the memories of Christmases past. Seeking Support
Grief, especially during the holiday season, can make you feel like you’re walking a lonely path. But it’s important to remember that you don’t have to face it alone. If you’re struggling, seeking support can make all the difference. There are numerous resources available to help guide you through this challenging time. The Cruse Bereavement Care website offers guidance on coping with loss, especially during holidays, and they have support services that can provide assistance. Another helpful resource is The Compassionate Friends, an organisation offering support for families who have lost a child, but their advice and community can also help anyone dealing with loss during the holiday season. Remembering the Ones We Love Christmas is a time of remembering, and while the absence of our loved ones can feel overwhelming, it also provides an opportunity to honour their memory. Light a candle in their honour, share stories of their life, or create a small tradition that helps you feel connected to them. As you grieve, know that it’s okay to experience the full range of emotions, and take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. In our memories and our hearts, those we have lost remain with us—especially at Christmas. Wishing you peace and comfort this Christmas, in whatever form that may take.
The Christmas season is a time for traditions, and for many of us in the UK, those traditions include the unforgettable holiday treats that filled our stockings and our hearts in the 70s and 80s. These sweets weren’t just for snacking; they were part of the magic that made Christmas feel like the most wonderful time of the year. Want to hear the extended blog? Then, you can listen to it on my podcast. Or just scroll to the end of this blog to go to the recording. 
A Rainbow of Festive Treats
What’s Christmas without a splash of colour? Fruit Pastilles, Black Jacks, and Fruit Salads added vibrance and flavour to our holiday bowls. Each candy brought a burst of fruity sweetness, filling the house with a rainbow of festive cheer. Who could resist the thrill of unwrapping a Black Jack or the tang of a Fruit Salad on a winter’s day? The Chocolate Tin Tradition Every family had its tin of Quality Street, Roses, or Heroes. The unwrapping, the careful selection, and sometimes a little family “negotiation” over the last caramel or strawberry cream – these tins were a treasure trove of flavours that we’d wait all year to enjoy. Find out more about the history of Quality Street and why they are individually wrapped on Wikipedia. 
The Zesty Appeal of Terry’s Chocolate Orange
No holiday was complete without the ritual of “tap, and unwrap” a Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Each slice of orange-flavoured chocolate offered a bit of Christmas magic, its zesty flavour bringing a unique and unmistakable twist to the season. Last year, I created chocolate orange covers in the shape of Christmas Puddings and Gnomes. You can read more about the history of the chocolate orange here on Wikipedia.
The Sophisticated Side of Christmas
Some chocolates, like Ferrero Rocher, Elizabeth Shaw mints, and Matchstick chocolates, felt a bit more grown-up. Whether as a gift or saved for after-dinner treats, these sweets brought an extra touch of elegance to the holiday, making us feel like Christmas was, indeed, a time for a bit of indulgence. Who can forget the ambassador's party and the Ferrero Rocher?
Lost but Not Forgotten: Meltis Fruit Jellies, Artful Chocolate Boxes, and Chocolate Liqueurs
And then, there were the rare delights: beautifully soft and sugar-coated Meltis Fruit Jellies, chocolates in boxes adorned with classic art, and memorable chocolate liqueurs filled with a splash of spirits. These treats were more than just a taste; they were a visual and sensory experience, adding a touch of elegance and mystery to the holiday spread.
Want to hear more? Then, listen to the extended blog on my podcast by clicking below.
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