Christmas traditions and customs at the table

The festive season of love is just around the corner and with it the magic that brings your loved ones together to share an unforgettable Christmas. Every family has its own traditions and customs during these days, most of which are passed down from generation to generation. Around the globe, people decorate, celebrate and eat, and the individual customs could not be more different. But one thing is the same everywhere – to spend time together and a very special feast.

This year, let yourself be inspired by Christmas dishes from the different countries and discover one or two ideas for your own new festive creation.

At the big Christmas dinner in the Scandinavian regions, stockfish with boiled potatoes is often served as an appetiser, in addition to a wide variety of pickled fish, such as Glasmeister herring or herring in garlic sauce. In Russia, on the other hand, Kutjá is eaten the day before the big Christmas dinner, a sweet porridge made of grain, poppy seeds, nuts and honey, which is said to confer immortality. Some Polish or Ukrainian families cook particularly extensively. Twelve Lenten dishes are prepared without meat or milk, including vegetarian borscht, small dumplings or pancakes. The number represents the twelve apostles. In the USA, turkey with lots of side dishes is traditionally served on Christmas Day. Australia celebrates Christmas in high summer and enjoys the festivities outdoors with grilled fish and shellfish.