Christmas is a time of joy, giving, and of course, delicious food! While adults may have their own traditional Christmas dishes, kids around the world have their own unique favorites that bring them excitement and cheer on this special day. In this article, we’ll take a culinary journey across the globe to discover what kids eat for Christmas in different countries and cultures.
The classics: Traditional Christmas treats
For many kids, Christmas is synonymous with sweet treats like cookies, candies, and chocolates. In the United States, classic Christmas treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and candy canes are staples in many households. These sweet goodies are often made with love and care by parents, grandparents, or even the kids themselves, making them an integral part of the holiday experience.
In the United Kingdom, kids love to indulge in Christmas pudding, a rich and fruity dessert made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, often served with brandy butter. This traditional dessert is a highlight of the Christmas meal, and kids can’t get enough of it!
Europe’s festive flavors
In Germany, kids enjoy Lebkuchen, a type of soft, spiced gingerbread cookie that’s often decorated with icing and candies. These tasty treats are a staple at German Christmas markets, where kids can find them alongside other festive goodies like Glühwein (hot mulled wine) and Bratwurst (grilled sausages).
In Italy, kids delight in Panettone, a sweet bread loaf filled with raisins, candied fruits, and spices. This traditional Christmas treat is often served with a warm cup of Hot Chocolate, making it a cozy and comforting holiday experience.
Eastern European delights
In Poland, kids enjoy Makowiec, a sweet poppy seed cake filled with nuts, honey, and spices. This traditional Christmas dessert is often served with a side of Kompot, a sweet and fruity drink made with dried fruits, berries, and spices.
In the Czech Republic, kids love to snack on Trdelník, a sweet pastry made from rolled dough, often topped with sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon. These tasty treats are a staple at Czech Christmas markets, where kids can find them alongside other festive goodies like Gingerbread and Honey Cakes.
Around the world in festive flavors
Christmas is celebrated differently around the world, and the same goes for the food kids enjoy during this special time. Let’s take a look at some unique and delicious Christmas treats from around the globe:
Latin American delights
In Mexico, kids enjoy Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread wreath filled with nuts, fruits, and spices, often topped with a hidden surprise like a baby Jesus figurine. This traditional Christmas treat is a highlight of the holiday season, and kids can’t get enough of it!
In Brazil, kids love to snack on Pão de Mel, a sweet honey cake made with honey, nuts, and spices. This traditional Christmas treat is often served with a side of Leite Condensado, a sweet and creamy condensed milk.
African and Middle Eastern flavors
In South Africa, kids enjoy Koeksisters, a sweet and crispy pastry made from twisted dough, often topped with a sweet syrup and sprinkles. This traditional Christmas treat is a staple in many South African households, where kids can’t get enough of its sweet and crispy goodness.
In Turkey, kids love to snack on Baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of flaky dough, nuts, and honey. This traditional Christmas treat is often served with a side of Turkish Delight, a sweet and fragrant jelly made with sugar, cornstarch, and fruit juice.
A modern Christmas feast
While traditional Christmas treats are still a staple in many households, modern kids are also influenced by global cuisines and trendy foodie culture. In recent years, kids have been enjoying a wider variety of Christmas treats, from festive fruit parfaits to Christmas-themed cupcakes and cookies.
Fusion flavors
In many countries, kids are now enjoying fusion Christmas treats that blend traditional flavors with modern twists. For example, in the United States, kids love to snack on Korean-Style Christmas Cookies, made with spicy Korean chili flakes and crispy rice cereal. In the United Kingdom, kids enjoy Japanese-Style Christmas Cake, made with matcha green tea and black sesame seeds.
Sustainable and healthy options
As parents become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, kids are also enjoying more sustainable and healthy Christmas treats. In many countries, kids are now snacking on Vegan Christmas Cookies, made with plant-based milk and natural sweeteners. Others are enjoying Gluten-Free Christmas Treats, made with alternative flours and natural ingredients.
A Christmas feast for the senses
Christmas is a time of joy, wonder, and excitement, and the food kids eat plays a big role in making this holiday season so special. Whether it’s traditional treats or modern fusion flavors, Christmas food is a sensory experience that brings kids closer to their families, cultures, and traditions.
As we conclude our culinary journey around the world, we’re reminded that Christmas is a time for giving, sharing, and enjoying good food with the ones we love. So, whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, we hope this article has inspired you to try new Christmas treats, explore different cultures, and create your own festive traditions.
| Country | Traditional Christmas Treat |
|---|---|
| United States | Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread Men, Candy Canes |
| United Kingdom | Christmas Pudding, Mince Pies |
| Germany | Lebkuchen, Gingerbread |
| Italy | Panettone, Pandoro |
| Poland | Makowiec, Kompot |
| Czech Republic | Trdelník, Gingerbread |
| Mexico | Rosca de Reyes |
| Brazil | Pão de Mel |
| South Africa | Koeksisters |
| Turkey | Baklava, Turkish Delight |
This table provides a snapshot of traditional Christmas treats enjoyed by kids around the world. From sweet cookies to fruity desserts, each country has its own unique festive flavors that bring joy and excitement to the holiday season.
What is the history behind Christmas feasts?
In many cultures around the world, Christmas is a time for feasting and celebration. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe, where families would come together to share a large, elaborate meal. Over time, different countries and cultures have developed their own unique Christmas traditions, but the idea of a special holiday feast has remained a central part of the celebration. Today, Christmas feasts are often seen as a way to bring families and friends together, and to show love and appreciation for one another.
In many countries, the Christmas feast is the centerpiece of the holiday celebration. It’s a time when families come together to share food, stories, and laughter. The feast is often a symbol of abundance and generosity, and is seen as a way to show gratitude for the blessings of the past year. Whether it’s a traditional turkey dinner in the United States, a festive tamales feast in Mexico, or a rich and spicy curry in India, the Christmas feast is a beloved holiday tradition.
What do kids in the United States typically eat on Christmas?
In the United States, Christmas dinner is often a traditional affair, with many families serving a classic turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The centerpiece of the meal is usually a roasted turkey, accompanied by side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, and stuffing. Some families also include sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and rolls in their holiday spread. For dessert, many families enjoy traditional Christmas treats like pumpkin or apple pie, or festive cookies and candies.
Of course, every family is different, and many kids in the United States enjoy a wide range of holiday foods. Some families may have their own unique traditions, such as serving tamales or latkes, while others may enjoy a festive breakfast or brunch on Christmas morning. Whatever the menu, Christmas dinner is often a time for kids to indulge in their favorite foods and treats, and to enjoy quality time with their loved ones.
What do kids in Mexico eat on Christmas?
In Mexico, Christmas is a time for festive foods and celebration. One of the most traditional and beloved holiday dishes is the tamale, a delicious and savory cornmeal dumpling filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Tamales are often served at special occasions like Christmas, and are typically accompanied by a spicy salsa or hot chocolate. Many families also enjoy a traditional Christmas Eve dinner, known as “Noche Buena,” which may include dishes like turkey, ham, or roasted chicken, accompanied by sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans.
For dessert, Mexican kids often enjoy sweet treats like buñuelos, which are crispy fried dough balls sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, or Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread wreath filled with nuts and dried fruit. Festive drinks like hot chocolate and ponche, a fruit punch made with fruit juice and spices, are also popular during the holiday season. Whatever the menu, Christmas is a time for Mexican kids to enjoy delicious food, festive traditions, and quality time with their families.
What do kids in Germany eat on Christmas?
In Germany, Christmas is a time for hearty and comforting foods. One of the most traditional holiday dishes is the Christmas goose, which is often served with a side of potato dumplings, red cabbage, and gravy. Many families also enjoy a festive Christmas Eve dinner, known as “Heiliger Abend,” which may include dishes like sausages, meatballs, or rolled beef. For dessert, German kids often enjoy sweet treats like lebkuchen, a spicy gingerbread cookie, or vanillekipferl, a crescent-shaped cookie filled with ground nuts and powdered sugar.
In addition to these traditional dishes, many German families also enjoy festive holiday drinks like glühwein, a warm mulled wine, or eierpunsch, a creamy egg-based drink. Whatever the menu, Christmas is a time for German kids to enjoy delicious food, festive traditions, and quality time with their families. Many families also exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, and enjoy a festive holiday breakfast on Christmas morning.
What do kids in India eat on Christmas?
In India, Christmas is a time for festive and flavorful foods. Since India is a diverse country with many different cultures and traditions, the holiday menu can vary greatly from region to region. However, many Indian kids enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner that combines local flavors and ingredients with European and Western influences. One popular dish is the Christmas biryani, a flavorful rice dish made with aromatic spices, meat or vegetables, and sometimes even eggs or seafood.
For dessert, Indian kids often enjoy sweet treats like kul kuls, crispy fried dough balls sprinkled with sugar and cardamom, or nevris, a sweet and creamy pudding made with milk, sugar, and nuts. Festive drinks like masala chai, a spiced tea, or jal jeera, a spicy cumin-flavored drink, are also popular during the holiday season. Whatever the menu, Christmas is a time for Indian kids to enjoy delicious food, festive traditions, and quality time with their families.
What do kids in Japan eat on Christmas?
In Japan, Christmas is a relatively recent holiday, and many of the traditional foods and customs are influenced by Western culture. One popular Christmas dish is the Japanese Christmas cake, which is often a white sponge cake topped with strawberries and whipped cream. Many families also enjoy a festive Christmas dinner, which may include dishes like turkey, ham, or roast beef, accompanied by side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.
For dessert, Japanese kids often enjoy sweet treats like Christmas cookies, or festive fruitcake, which is often made with local ingredients like green tea and mochi. Festive drinks like hot chocolate or eggnog are also popular during the holiday season. Whatever the menu, Christmas is a time for Japanese kids to enjoy delicious food, festive traditions, and quality time with their families.
How do kids around the world celebrate Christmas?
Christmas is a time for celebration and joy, and kids around the world have their own unique ways of marking the holiday. In many countries, kids enjoy festive traditions like decorating trees, singing carols, and exchanging gifts with their families and friends. They may also participate in special activities like making holiday crafts, watching festive movies, or attending church services. Whatever the tradition, Christmas is a time for kids to feel love, kindness, and generosity, and to enjoy quality time with their loved ones.
In some countries, kids may also enjoy unique and festive customs, such as leaving out shoes for Saint Nicholas to fill with treats, or exchanging gifts on January 6th, known as Epiphany. In other cultures, kids may enjoy special holiday foods, like tamales or curry, or participate in festive dances and performances. Whatever the tradition, Christmas is a time for kids around the world to come together, share in the joy and spirit of the season, and create lasting memories with their families and friends.