A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Christmas Dinner

I'm not quite sure why I never thought about itMexico – tamales, rice, green chilies stuffed
before. I suppose many people never consider it.with cheese and a sweet drink called atole.
It's easy to get wrapped up in our own lives,Portugal – cod fish and baked potatoes are
going about our daily activities and seldom givingthe main fare.
any thought to what is happening on the otherRussia – meat dumplings followed by an array
side of the world.of pies and cakes.
As Christmas approaches, I got to thinking, thereSpain – starters such as salmon or prawns
is little doubt about what will be on the menufollowed by homemade soup. The main dish is
Christmas day at my house ... but what do otherusually cod or shellfish.
folks around the world eat on the 25th ofItaly – as usual the Italians know how to live.
December. I decided to find out, and you may beA 7 course meal which starts with salads and
as surprised as I was at some of the dishes!moves right on through to roasted meats, pastas,
Here’s a small sample of what other peoplepuddings, fruit and cheese and winds up with
are eating on this special day.chocolates.
Czech Republic – fried carp and potato saladJapan – believe it or not, the favorite is a
are the traditional meal in this eastern Europeanbucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken, followed by
country.strawberry shortcake.
Germany – suckling pig, macaroni salad andWhile everyone may have a different type of
rice porridge, plus a variety of sweets and bakedmeal to enjoy on Christmas day, we all have one
goods.thing in common; we all share one special day
Poland and Ukraine – a ritualized and elaboratetogether.
meal which consists of 12 meatless dishes.