Many places in the world celebrate Christmas with a meal of turkey served in some way, though not always roasted as here in England. Many people cook a ham and decorate it with honey glaze and cloves. Christmas pie made from veal, pork and chicken is cooked in some countries for Christmas Eve supper after midnight mass. Depending whether the country is hot or cold determines the manner in which the main meal is served...roasted with hot vegetables or cold with salads.
In England Christmas pudding flaming with brandy is usually served for dessert but in many countries this is replaced with a cold fruit dish or gateaux.
England does tend to go overboard with Christmas food preparation. Most people buy and prepare enough to feed an army...and consequently end up eating it for many days prompting the call for "a cheese sandwich" or " something simple" after about two days in my family who cannot stand the rich food for long.
Extras to be served at any time over Christmas are: mince pies, a pastry case with a sweet suet and fruit mixture, sausage rolls, sausage meat rolled in pastry, Christmas cake, a rich fruit cake decorated with icing, Christmas log, a chocolate swiss roll decorated and a wide variety of chocolates and specially prepared fancy foods. Also nuts, fruits and drinks (normally alcoholic variety) are offered to all guests visiting during the celebratory period.
Historically feasting in England at least was unbelievable. A suckling pig, a boars head, a swan or peacock might be served each as a separate course of the Christmas feast. Mince pies were also a rich meat dish in the past. These would be followed by plum pudding and washed down with huge quantities of ale.
