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Christmas Traditions Across Continents

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 11:12 GMT by Food & Wine

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Holiday Celebrations Around the World – A Global Food & Wine Guide

Food & Wine’s “Holiday Celebrations Around the World” takes readers on a mouth‑watering tour of the planet’s most beloved seasonal feasts. From the deep‑rooted traditions of the Southern United States to the spicy street food of New Delhi, the article showcases how cultures celebrate time‑of‑year milestones with food that is as rich in flavor as it is in history. Below is a concise yet comprehensive summary of the key holidays covered, complete with the culinary highlights that make each celebration truly unforgettable.

1. Christmas (Worldwide)

While Christmas is a global phenomenon, the article distinguishes a handful of especially distinctive regional traditions.

• Mexico – The holiday is a blend of Catholicism and pre‑Hispanic customs. Families gather for tamales (corn dough filled with meat or chilies), atole (sweet corn‑based drink), and buñuelos (fried dough rings). In Oaxaca, pan dulce (sweet bread) and pozole (hominy stew) are staples. A unique Mexican touch is the “noche buena” (Christmas Eve) feast that can last well into the night, featuring an array of regional dishes and late‑night sweets.
• Germany – The German holiday calendar opens with the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) stalls selling glühwein (mulled wine), roasted chestnuts, and Bratwurst. Traditional desserts include Stollen (fruit bread) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). The “Stollen” segment highlights the importance of spiced fruit bread as a symbol of German holiday hospitality.
• United Kingdom – British Christmas meals are often anchored by roast turkey, mince pies, and Christmas pudding – a steamed dessert filled with dried fruit and brandy. The article points out how the tradition of the “Christmas pudding” evolved from medieval banquet customs to a modern holiday staple.

2. Hanukkah (Jewish Communities Worldwide)

Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights,” is celebrated by Jewish communities across the globe, from New York to Jerusalem.

• Food – Latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly‑filled doughnuts) are the classic dishes, with the article noting how the use of oil in cooking symbolizes the miracle of the oil lamp. In some communities, sufganiyot are made with locally sourced ingredients like tahini or cardamom, giving them a distinctive flavor profile.
• Customs – The lighting of the menorah is the highlight of each night. The article features a beautiful illustration of a family gathering around the menorah, explaining the significance of each candle’s placement and the meaning behind the central “shamash” candle that serves as a helper light.

3. Kwanzaa (African‑American Communities)

The article dedicates a segment to the African‑American celebration that blends Pan‑African symbols with modern holiday cuisine.

• Foods – The “Kwanzaa feast” often includes black‑eyed peas, collard greens, and sweet potato pie, each dish representing the harvest, resilience, and community values. A particular emphasis is placed on the soul‑food roots of Kwanzaa celebrations, which often see families sharing dishes passed down through generations.
• Symbols – The Kinara (candle holder) is explained in detail: the seven candles stand for the seven principles of Kwanzaa, and the article shows how the lighting ritual brings the family together.

4. Diwali (India and the Indian Diaspora)

Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” is an enormous, multi‑day celebration that sees families gather to exchange sweets and gifts.

• Culinary Highlights – The article dives into the elaborate spread that includes jalebi (sweet pretzels), kaju katli (cashew fudge), and mutton biryani. The rohlai (a sweet, spiced milk pudding) and chicken tikka masala are also highlighted for their popularity in North India.
• Traditions – Lighting diya lamps and sparklers are central, but the article points out how the “sweets” tradition underscores the belief that the sweetness of the festival’s food should reflect the sweetness of the year ahead.

5. Lunar New Year (China, Vietnam, Korea)

Lunar New Year is a pan‑Asian festival celebrated in many cultures, each adding its own twist.

• China – The article spotlights niangao (glutinous rice cake) and jiaozi (dumplings) as symbols of prosperity and unity. It also mentions the importance of red envelopes (hongbao) containing money for children.
• Vietnam – The Vietnamese version centers on banh chung (square sticky rice cake) and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls). The article explains the significance of tết customs such as giá (family gatherings) and the họp mặt (family reunions).
• Korea – The Korean New Year (“Seollal”) includes tteokguk (rice‑cereal soup) which represents the age of the celebrant, and songpyeon (half‑moon shaped rice cakes) which are made in a traditional manner.

6. Thanksgiving (United States)

The article dedicates a full page to the quintessential American holiday.

• Menu – The classic roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin pie are presented with a nod to regional variations. For example, the Appalachian version often includes a cornbread stuffing, whereas the New England tradition may lean heavily on casserole styles.
• Traditions – A highlighted tradition is the “Parade and Turkey” moment: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the subsequent community turkey‑eating parties. The article also references the growing trend of vegetarian and vegan Thanksgiving plates, emphasizing that modern families adapt the holiday menu to fit diverse dietary needs.

7. Other Festive Highlights

Beyond the big holidays, Food & Wine’s article touches on a variety of smaller yet equally delicious celebrations:

• St. Patrick’s Day (Ireland) – Bangers and mash, cottage cheese, and stout are all featured, along with the significance of the “green beer” phenomenon.
• Halloween (United States) – The article points out that the original tradition of “trick or treat” has evolved into a festive treat‑filled evening, with a focus on pumpkin‑infused desserts and seasonal cocktails.
• Eid al-Fitr (Islamic Communities) – Celebrated with biryani and sambusa, the article outlines the holiday’s religious significance in marking the end of Ramadan.

In a nutshell, Food & Wine’s “Holiday Celebrations Around the World” is an expansive, appetizing primer on how people celebrate across cultures. The article not only showcases an array of dishes—from the spicy mole poblano of Mexico to the subtle yuzu‑infused treats of Japan—but also underscores the cultural, spiritual, and communal meanings that drive each holiday. Whether you’re planning a multicultural dinner party or simply want to learn how your neighbors celebrate, this guide offers a flavorful window into our shared human experience.