Throughout the world , the holidays are a time for giving and togetherness . In the Nochebuena episode of PBS Kids ' “ Alma ’ s Way ,” Alma remarks how she loves that every year they celebrate with the same traditions . Many of us treasure our holiday food traditions , especially if there ’ s a family recipe that has been passed down through the generations . Like the way Alma ’ s neighbors share holiday treats with each other , giving special food to others at the holidays is a personal way to join and grow in the community . Traditions are tied to memories and connection , however , it ’ s never too late to start some new family holiday traditions !
Here are some delicious food traditions enjoyed by families around the world during the holidays !
Polvorones . During Nochebuena , the whole family wants one of Alma ’ s mommy ’ s polvorones . These buttery , almond-flavored shortbread cookies are classic Puerto Rican Christmas cookies . Similar treats show up around the world by different names , including Russian tea cakes , pecan snowballs , and Mexican wedding cookies .
Latkes . At the beginning of the “ Alma ’ s Way ” Nochebuena episode , neighbors are shopping at the store for holiday ingredients , and Becka mentions buying potatoes to make latkes with her mom . These Jewish , fried potato pancakes are traditionally prepared to celebrate Hanukkah . They ’ re often topped with applesauce or sour cream . Yum !
Coconut macaroons . Kiritimati , also known as Christmas Island , is the first place in the world to welcome Christmas Day . Children on this southern Pacific island leave Santa chewy coconut macaroons .
Prawns . In Australia , where it ’ s summer during the holidays , nothing tastes more like Christmas than peel-and-eat shrimp . They ’ re cool , delicious , and a cornerstone of any Australian Christmas spread .
Strawberry shortcake . In Japan , Hoteiosha brings gifts and fortunes to well-behaved children . After leaving their gifts on their pillow , he enjoys a slice of Christmas cake . This classic cake is made with layers of soft sponge cake , fluffy whipped cream , and fresh strawberries .
Kulkuls . After hanging their stockings by a window ( if they don ’ t have a fireplace ), Indian children leave spicy chai and kulkuls for Christmas Baba ( Father Christmas ). Kulkuls are traditional , crispy , fried pastries that are shaped into small curls .
Risalamande . This almond rice pudding is the most popular Christmas dessert in Denmark . It ’ s made extra special by adding chopped almonds , folding in vanilla whipped cream , and serving it topped with a warm cherry sauce . Tradition says whoever finds the whole almond in their serving wins a gift .
Hertzog . In South Africa , children leave Hertzog cookies for Kersvader ( Father Christmas ). They are filled with sweet apricot jam and topped with coconut meringue .
Kolaczki . These tender , fruit-filled cookies are traditional in Poland , and popular in the Czech Republic , Russia , and Austria . The buttery dough is made with cream cheese , and either cut into rounds and topped with jam or pinched around a jam filling . When they are cool , they are dusted with powdered sugar .
Lussekatter . Swedish families celebrate St . Lucia ’ s Day by having one of their daughters serve coffee and these saffron buns to the rest of the family . Traditionally , these sweet rolls are studded with dried fruit , such as raisins or currants .
Gingerbread . Originated in Germany , and now beloved around the world , gingerbread is a classic Christmas treat . Although gingerbread can take on many forms , Lubkuchen is the traditional spiced , soft , German cookie .
Corn . Representing children and their future , corn is one of the seven symbols of Kwanzaa . African American families who celebrate may choose to incorporate the ingredient into their holiday menu in many delicious forms , such as cornbread , corn pudding , or fried corn .
Bûche de Noël . Dating back to the 19th century , buche de noel ( or yule log ) is a traditional Christmas dessert , especially popular in France , Belgium , and Switzerland . This roll-style chocolate cake is filled with whipped cream ; frosted to look like a log ; and adorned with decorative mushrooms , edible berries , and a dusting of sugary “ snow .” In the “ Let ’ s Go Luna !” Christmas special , Leo is super proud of the buche de noel he made . We agree , it ’ s quite impressive !
Feast of the Seven Fishes . On Christmas Eve , it ’ s traditional for Italian American families to gather around a seven-course seafood dinner . Popular dishes include baked cod , fried calamari , octopus salad , shrimp cocktail , and stuffed lobsters .
Mince pie . Sometimes called “ mincemeat ” pie , this English Christmas pie has evolved from a savory meat pie into a sweet dessert today . They are often baked in miniature form and stuffed with homemade or store-bought filling of apples , nuts , spices , dried fruit , and suet .
Tamales . Many Latino families gather to make and eat tamales during the holidays . They are assembled by spreading a layer of masa dough on a softened corn husk ; which is topped with a meat , bean , or chile pepper filling ; before being folded and steamed .
What are your family ’ s favorite food traditions ? And what new food traditions will your family try this year ? #
GFM encourages you try international recipes to broaden your family ' s cultural culinary knowledge .
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