Working in our particular industry, we often find ourselves coming across various cultural differences and we truly deem this to be a great perk in our job. There is nothing more fascinating than seeing how different countries approach or mark a certain event.
As such a widely-celebrated holiday, Christmas is a huge part of the year and is marked by different countries in numerous ways. Arguably, one of the best parts of the season is the Christmas dinner so let’s take a look at what a few other countries eat on the big day.
1. Germany
German Christmas markets have become extremely popular in this country over the past 20 or so years, so we do have some idea of what foods are enjoyed. Gingerbread houses – or Pfefferkuchenhaus – set the perfect festive scene, complete with candies, sweets and icing sugar snow. And for the main dinner itself, tables are often lined with roast goose, carp, pork or duck. And for sides, you may see roast potatoes, red cabbage, kale and brussels sprouts.
2. France
In France, Christmas dinner is taken to the next level as, in the form of the Réveillon, it is eaten over a more prolonged period of time on Christmas Eve or after the midnight church service. Dishes within the Réveillon can include roast turkey or goose with chestnuts, oysters, foie gras, lobster, venison and, of course, plenty of different cheeses.
3. Norway
Turning to something a little bit different, in Norway, you may find a whole sheep’s head to be the dish of choice. Although an alternative option for those slightly less adventurous types is a rack of lamb ribs slow-cooked over a fire of birch branches. And for dessert? Multekrem – a dish which contains cloudberries and sugary whipped cream.
4. Japan
Let’s talk Christmas cake. Unlike our version, which is a dried fruit cake covered in icing, Japan serves something which is much more like how you would picture a traditional cake – a white sponge with cream and strawberries.
5. Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico, real time and care is taken in preparation for dinner. A suckling pig is gently roasted over an outdoor spitfire. It requires constant supervision, keeping the pig rotated to ensure an even-cook all over. This process traditionally starts in the very early hours of Christmas morning.
Whatever you choose to eat this season, however you plan to celebrate, here at Dixon Associates we would like to take the opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
