Traditional Christmas Dinner

Though a traditional Christmas dinner may not be as rigidly traditional as the prior month's Thanksgiving one, there are certainly precedents to adhere to and rules to follow. This guide will give you the Christmas day lunch and dinner basics. Here, you can learn what foods are surefire ways to impress your guests and some acceptable culinary deviations off the beaten path.

The Main Course

Like Thanksgiving, turkey is a traditional Christmas favorite for American families. However, it is not the only dish that can serve as center stage on Christmas. Many families prefer a ham, while others opt for a tasty pheasant or a goose.

Turkey

Turkey  is the meat of choice for many families on Christmas. It can be prepared a number of ways, can feed a large number of people, and always leaves plenty leftovers. As with Thanksgiving, plan about a pound of turkey for everyone. Even if that seems to small a portion for some, there will be plenty of side dishes to go around. Many families prefer smoked turkey  on Christmas, so as to avoid a Thanksgiving redux. Plan ahead, turkey can take days to cook. A frozen turkey  must defrost. Even a fresh one  is not picnic-ready. Teriyaki marinade  is an unexpected, but fantastic, way to surprise your guests. You could also break up the bird and diversify your preparation. See AskMen's great Christmas Dinner guide.

Christmas Ham

Ham  is certainly the number two choice on the Christmas menu. It is a versatile meat that can be prepared in a number of ways. Here are some guidelines to follow. Ham is more filling than turkey. Keep that in mind when choosing your cut. Smoked ham  is a Christmas favorite, but honey-glazed ham  is another common Holiday preperation. Baked ham  is another very popular choice. If you're feeling bold and adventurous, you can prepare a ginger and mango glazed ham.

Goose

Goose may not be as popular as it was a century ago, but it is still the classic bird of Christmas. If you are going for a truly formal and historically traditional American holiday, then the goose should be your bird of choice on the 25th. Roasting a goose  is relatively easy (it is prepared in a way similar to turkey) and very rewarding. Check out MSNBC's Guide on Roast Goose for more detail. Goose usually has to be specially ordered from a butcher or online. Fresh is best.

Roast Beef
	Roast beef is a fundamental part of a traditional Northeastern Christmas dinner. Roast beef takes time to prepare, so keep that in mind when thinking about menu choices. Roast beef is a nice juicy alternative to dry bird options and the sweetness of glazed ham. Leftover roast beef is just as delicious as its first tasting. Use a nice beef gravy  to create a truly savory meal.

Other Meat Options

In addition to goose and turkey, there are plenty of other meats that can satisfy the holiday bird/beast urge. Pheasant  is a popular bird for a small Christmas dinner. Brining, barding and braising are the most popular methods of cooking this meat. Pheasant has a dryer taste that most alternatives. Get a recipe and go to work. Quail  is a traditional Victoria-style Christmas day bird. It is usually roasted. Roast quail is often served alongside turkey, rather than as an alternative main dish. Boar  may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Christmas dinner," but in Medieval England, it was the dish of the day. If you're planning a huge feast, it might be a practical (and surprisingly yummy) option.

Popular Side Dishes

Christmas side dishes mirror Christmas main courses: they read like an expanded Thanksgiving menu. Mixing and matching your favorite winter sides will provide you with a delightful bunch for the Christmas season. Always keep your entree in mind when picking side dishes. Accompany ham with sweet dishes, like glazed ham and roasted fruit. For juicy meat dishes (like boar and roast beef), potatoes and other absorbent foods will do the trick. There are literally dozens of Christmas dishes, but here are some of the most popular and easy-to-prepare among them.

Side Dishes
Corn  has been a traditional American Christmas dish since the country was founded.	Cranberry sauce  is a good side for any Christmas entree.	Foie gras  is a favorite delicacy come Christmas time.	Mashed potatoes  are great with boar or roast beef. They can soak up the juices.	Warm rolls  with butter spread are a delightful meal starter.

Ever More Choices
Roasted chestnuts  evoke an image of Christmas more than any other side dish.	Roast potatoes  make a great pair with either pheasant or goose.	Roasted apples  are generally suggested as a side for a ham entree.	Sweet glazed carrots  are another ham partner, but go great with turkey, too.	Mushrooms  go well with roast beef and other dishes. They also make a great starter.

And Still More Options
Candied yams  are a tasty treat that can really add some flavor to bird entrees.	Steamed cabbage  is traditional served with roast beef, ham or boar.	Creamed spinach  is a versatile side dish that works with any entree.	Roasted asparagus  can add some refinement to your meal.	Broccoli  is another great side that will fit on any plate. Starter or closer, they work.

Delectable Desserts

Okay, so the meal and done and everyone's buttons are bursting, but the fun has only just begun. Yule tide desserts are among the most delicious seasonal treats available. These key desserts will keep your guests satisfied with warm and full bellies.

Top-Notch Desserts
Yule Log Aw, the timeless yule log.  For pure chocolate and creme goodness, it beats all comers.	Plum Pudding Plum pudding  is a formal holiday treat that is both tasty and classy.	Fruitcake Fruitcake  may be the butt of many a Christmas joke, but give it a try.	Gingerbread Cookies Gingerbread cookies  are perfect for the holiday season.	Bread Pudding Bread pudding  keep your guests happy. Try a liquor based recipe and enjoy.

What To Drink

Last, but certainly not lease, the Holidays provide yet another lovely excuse to sit down, relax and have a few after dinner drinks with the people you cherish the most (and those with whom you might need a few drinks to relax), your family. There is plenty to drink on Christmas day. Here is a short list of suggestions.

Holiday Drinks
Eggnog Eggnog is the most essential Christmas drink. Its easy to find and tastes great.	Christmas Beer Many beer manufacturers make specially spiced holiday and Christmas beers.	Mulling Spices Mulling spices  will give cider and wine an extra holiday kick.	Christmas Champagne Champagne isn't just for new years. Break the bottle out early and enjoy the day.	Rum Spiced rum  can be added to any hot drink to bring that Christmas warmth home.

Tips for a Successful Christmas Dinner

For more information on this subject, see our guide to Hosting a Christmas Party.

• Tacking Christmas dinner is obviously a huge task, so plan ahead to make sure you have a guest headcount and are aware of any dietary restrictions well before the date. You'll have enough things to do right before the party, and you certainly don't want to be caught rushing around to shops last minute.
• Give your guests plenty of advance notice so they can plan accordingly.
• Come up with a budget. If you have a basic idea of how much everything should cost, you will be less likely to overspend. Keep your budget handy and consult it frequently to make sure you're still on track.
• Enlist your friends and family to help. If you are hosting, you can absolutely ask people to contribute a dish, help with setting up and cleaning, and so on. If people offer assistance, accept it!
• Be aware of the fact that some people run on a different schedule, and thus they might arrive late. Consider having a cocktail hour  with a few hors d'oeuvres, some board games, or other activities--this way, your guests will be amused and won't starve while you wait for stragglers.
• Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones, so Incorporate your family traditions, where possible. Your guests will appreciate this intimacy, and they might get ideas for their own future holidays.
• Prep and cook as much food as you can the night before. The better prepared you are, the more in control you will feel on the day of the party.
• Make sure you take some time for you on the day of the party. Give yourself at least a half hour to sit and unwind so you're fresh and relaxed when everyone arrives. This is a celebration, not a chore, so be sure you're able to enjoy everything as much as your guests do.

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