Holiday food traditions: What’s your favorite dish?

by Shaprella Johnson, Times Writer

December 18, 2024

Eggnog is considered a dessert by some and a drink by others. Whatever you consider it, many people think it’s delicious.

Around the most magical time of the year, cheerful music abounds with beautiful, soft holiday colors and eye-catching decorations. Shared moments of seeing loved ones you have not seen in a while can make this time of year warm and enchanting. The best part for all guests is the cuisine. While Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to overlap, they are different in relation to food choices. Turkey is often the main dish served during Thanksgiving, while Christmas seems to be more about sweets and baked goods. There may even be a combination of both. What are your holiday food traditions?

Around the world, there are many dishes that bring families, friends, coworkers and acquaintances together during the holidays depending on cultural and family traditions. Here in America, savory dishes are a necessity for the holidays.

My family’s favorite holiday dishes consist of appetizers, drinks, savory side dishes, and baked sweets. The main dishes served are: prime rib, roasted duck, and baked ham. For side dishes, we make green bean casserole, roasted potatoes, and Hawaiian sweet bread. Eggnog, our all-time favorite dessert, is a holiday drink made with egg yolks, sugar or alternative sweetener, cream, nutmeg and/or cinnamon. It is usually served chilled with brandy or rum in the recipe.You can buy it pre-made in the store or make it yourself. Gingerbread cookies, fruit cake, and spritz cookies are also popular desserts that many families enjoy. Christmas candies such as peppermint bark and assorted chocolates can be store bought, or if you have the time, can be homemade.

No matter what your traditions are, bonding with family, friends and acquaintances is often the most rewarding experience when it comes to holiday feast and foods.

An ode to Grandma Marlene’s pastries. She passed three months ago, and her children and grandchildren are honoring her by making her recipes. (Photo by Dre (Richie) Nickelson)

About the Contributors

Shaprella Johnson, Staff Writer

My name is Shaprella Johnson and I'm an associates of arts major at MATC. I love writing, reading, art, music, and getting to know other students. I have thoroughly enjoyed being on the MATC Times staff and getting to know other staff members. In my spare time, I enjoy working at the Wisconsin Center District, volunteering, and helping people in her community.

Christopher D’Allen, Editor-in-Chief

My name is Christopher D'Allen and I am the Editor-in-Chief for the MATC Times, a student run paper dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in scholastic journalism. The MATC Times stands as the voice of our students and a bastion of free speech for the communiy we represent. I joined the staff in my first semester at MATC and obtained my current position at the start of Summer '23. Here I am a photography student and hold a BA in Political Science and Spanish & Latin American Studies with a minor in Democracy and Justice Studies. I have worked an Administrative Assistant, World Language Instructor, a Head Lifeguard and Resident Assistant, but have found that my passion lies in the arts. As a photographer, I challenge myself daily to find a new perspective, capture a fleeting scene and turn moments into memories. As we work to relaunch the MATC Times website and grow our staff, I want to make joining our team as positive a learning experience and beneficial a work experience as possible. I strongly believe in the power of collaboration and inclusivity. As an Editor, I actively encourage diverse perspectives. Each student's unique viewpoint enriches our storytelling and fosters a sense of unity within our community. I aim to bridge the gap between words and images, revealing the untold stories that shape our community.