- While what is often considered the traditional American Christmas dinner was adapted from the native British menu of many of the first Americans, over the centuries many immigrants to the United States have put their own regional cuisine on the Christmas dinner menu. Ethnic food items like tamales, teriyaki, pierogis, gumbo and pasta have found their way onto Christmas dinner tables right beside more traditional fare throughout the country.
- Many cultures have their large Christmas meal on Christmas Eve, but in American culture it has been customary to eat Christmas dinner on the night of Christmas Day. For many, Christmas dinner is the culmination of the Christmas holiday and of the day itself.
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Since most families that serve Christmas dinner are celebrating the holiday for religious reasons with the birth of Christ, the meal often begins with a prayer or blessing to mark the occasion. Turkey and ham are the two most popular meat entrees served in a traditional American Christmas dinner, though beef roasts and pork tenderloin are also the centerpiece of many Christmas dinners. Common side dishes including mashed or roast potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, squash, yeast rolls and salads. Christmas dinner is often served with alcohol, mainly wine or champagne.
Dessert items for an American Christmas dinner include Christmas cookies like decorated sugar cookies and gingerbread men, pumpkin, pecan and apple pies, fruitcake and eggnog or hot chocolate to drink.
Typically for Christmas dinners, families use their best dining and stemware, including china place settings, crystal glasses and silverware. Festive tablecloths and centerpieces or candles are also common additions to the dining table. - One of the most noteworthy features of Christmas dinner is the immense size of the meal and food options presented. Unlike everyday dinners, Christmas dinner often includes several courses, multiple side dishes to choose from, festive drinks and a plethora of desserts. Families often snack on nuts and traditional American snacks like party mix before Christmas dinner for appetizers, with second helpings of the main meal common, and a sampling of desserts to follow. No one leaves the table hungry.
- Christmas dinner serves as a way to bring families and friends together to celebrate one of the most important holidays of the Christian calendar. Oftentimes Americans travel back to their parents' homes or to the home of a sibling to join with their family in the making and eating of Christmas dinner. Different food dishes become traditions for every family, and new items are added with the addition of new family members.
