Suggestions for an Unforgettable and Grand Christmas Meal

All across our vast globe people will be celebrating Christmas this December 25th. No matter where you live, the Christmas meal is sure to be an integral part of the day. This feast is something that both young and old look forward to and savors the thought of. This is probably because this is the one feast of the year where certain treats and delicacies are bound to be on the table, almost expected, and they usually have to do with certain cultural and seasonal customs.

While there are many similarities through out the world with the traditional Christmas dinner, there are also differences abound, some subtle, some vast. For example, In Italy and other parts of the Mediterranean, fish is the choice of main dish and it is eaten on Christmas Eve. This is most likely because a vast majority of the population is practicing Catholics. In Germany they too have their main feast on Christmas Eve. It is a lavish and enormously opulent meal with the main dish usually being goose. Red cabbage is also served as a side dish and is massively enjoyed. For another instance of the differences in the Christmas menu, look to the South American and bordering countries. They all seem to add panache with spicy and stimulating cuisine. Mexico does this as well.

Similarities with the Christmas dinner menus are abound with only faint differences in the approach. Great Britain’s menu parallels what is served in the United States. The one big divergence is that they simply must have Brussels sprouts on the bill of fare. They also employ the use of Christmas crackers. For those who have never celebrated a traditional British Christmas, a cracker is a tube filled with a joke, a paper hat and a small trinket. Two people each grab an end and pull. This results in a popping or “cracking” sound. The winner is the person left with the longest end of the cracker; they then get to claim the prizes which were inside.

No matter where in the world you will be celebrating and feasting on Christmas, remember the underlying message is about love. When preparing your meal, don’t put unrealistic expectations on yourself and keep it simple. You can add new dishes, keep traditional ones or change your menu all together. Maybe your favorite foods derive from the Far East. Don’t be afraid to make those choices become your new venue on this festive occasion.

The most important thing to remember is to take pleasure in the cooking of the meal. It should be a pleasant and enjoyable experience. It is a labor of love. Include family and friends in the preparations. This is a great “family-time” moment. While preparing the dinner together you may be amazed at the conversations that can come from this time spent together. You also can take this opportunity to develop closer bonds with certain family and friends. No matter what you choose to do, have a good sit down meal together, enjoy the moment and cherish the time spent with the people you love.

The Healthy Side of Christmas Dinner

Christmas dinner isn't just a great custom, it's full of nutrition and it is actually good for you. So don't feel blameworthy, get wedged in!

Turkey

Your traditional Christmas turkey is logically low in fat, so you are off to a fine start if you have selected this for the big day. Take away the skin if you want to be healthier as it contains most of the fat and you will put away around forty calories per serving. Turkey is one of the good sources of lysine, which can help stop hideous cold sores and it also contains zinc, vitamin B and potassium, which keeps the cholesterol down, regulates blood pressure and boosts the immune system. The greatest news is that it contains selenium, which could help you protect against cancer.

Cranberry sauce

Cranberries are full of antioxidants and cures urinary tract infections like cystitis. They are also rich in vitamin C, which protects the cells, keeps them fit and helps the body take up iron and vitamin D, which regulates the quantity of phosphate and calcium in the body to keep bones and teeth healthy. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, cranberries can be great because they contain potassium which helps reduce it. Other health reimbursements include preventing dental plaque, stomach ulcers , heart disease and some types of cancers, so there is no reason not to refill again.

Vegetables

The traditional Christmas turkey is usually bordered by loads of different vegetables, all of which will add up towards your five a day, so Christmas day is in fact the easiest day of the year to get all important vegetables for the day.

Brussels sprouts: Christmas is most likely the only time of year that everyone eats Brussels sprouts. They are loaded in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, helps improve vision and keeps skin well - ideal if you want to shun a cold and look good for a New Year's Eve party. They are very rich in fiber, which keeps your digestive tract working efficiently and if you consume nine sprouts, you will have half of your daily dose of folic acid which your body wants to form healthy red blood cells. If you have been overdoing on it preparing for Christmas, these sprouts contain compounds that are great for detoxifying the body and also helps to protect the body against cancer.

Carrots: put in some carrots to your meal on the big Christmas day as they are rich in beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A inside the body. Vitamin A is wanted for healthy skin, fighting illnesses and diseases by boosting the immune system and it helps to protect your vision, especially the night vision. Carrots also have antioxidant compounds that help defend against cardiovascular disease.

Peas: Do you know that peas are excellent for your bones? They contain a vitamin called K1, which is necessary for bone health. They're also a good source of folic acid, required to make healthy red blood cells and vitamin E, which helps to protect cell membranes by acting as an antioxidant. Iron makes red blood cells and zinc, which also helps in the healing process of wounds.

Potatoes: It is hard to believe, but potatoes really contain more vitamin C than a glass of orange juice. The body wants vitamin C to defend cells and keep them fit, lowers cholesterol and fights against allergies and asthma. Scientists have also discovered that potatoes have a compound that can help in lowering blood pressure.

Christmas pudding

Before you turn down a serving of Christmas pudding, keep in mind that the dried fruit in it has lots of potassium which every nerve and cell in your body needs to work properly. It is also a great source of fiber which helps the digestive system. Add a big blob of custard and you will also be adding up calcium which is excellent for strengthening bones and teeth.

Other Christmas food

If you have decided not to put a Satsuma at the bottom of your kid’s Christmas stockings, then change your mind! They are loaded with vitamin C, which will increase their immune system and assist them fight off the colds and viruses around at the end of the year. Do not disregard the Christmas chestnuts that are around either. They're the only nut that's really low in fat and one can enjoy them guilt-free!