Aside from the gifts and decorations, one thing that every nation shares during Christmas is a large meal with friends and family members. While the meals are somewhat similar because they feature meat and vegetables, you might be surprised by the main courses and side dishes commonly found in other nations.
Here are a few traditional Christmas meals in different nations.
Greece
The main meat used in Greece is either pork or lamb, and the meal will usually feature many different vegetables and salads. Not only that, but spinach and cheese pie is also a common side dish that takes the place of bread.
Sweden
Sweden’s Christmas meal serves several dishes in a buffet style. These dishes typically include cold cheeses and meats, along with meatballs and roasted pork ribs. You will also find potatoes, cabbage and several other vegetables, but there are typically more meat-based dishes.
France
The French Christmas meal is surprisingly simple. While most meals feature an array of dishes, the French version typically just has meat. At the same time, many people will make various side dishes to go along with the meat. The main dish is beef, lamb or goose with a chestnut stuffing.
Philippines
In contrast to the French, the Christmas dinner in the Philippines has over a dozen dishes. The main meal is typically roasted pork or cured ham, and a rice-based dessert is also very common. The dessert is made with rice, coconut, brown sugar and peanut butter.
Poland
After a day of fasting, the Polish will enjoy a Christmas dinner that is different from most of the other dinners on this list. Most of the dinners include common birds or beasts, but the Polish version uses fish. Herring is the most common type of meat, and it will be enjoyed with sour cream, mushrooms and a dessert of pudding and cake.
Though the traditional Christmas dinner is different depending on where you are, every meal is very similar. They all have meats and vegetables, and are usually followed by a dessert of cake, pie or pudding, but the main components will change based on the local flavors and traditions.
