Christmas Ham

[captain_slinky]

Discussing with nani_ka the appropriateness of Turkey for Thanksgiving and Ham for Christmas (my family has traditionally done both meats for both holidays, she insists that Turkey is for Thanksgiving and Ham is for Christmas), it made me think; isn't serving HAM for your Christmas Dinner kind of Racist/Insulting towards your Jewish friends?

"This is OUR day! We have tons of presents! We have colorful decorations! We have peppy music about Jesus! And no you can't just drop by during dinner because we'll be having PORK! Screw you!"

I'm kind of surprised that the traditional Christmas dinner isn't Oyster Stew and Cheeseburgers!

Comments

[sasjhwa.livejournal.com]

Your Jewish friends are used to playing second fiddle to Christmas. I mean Hanukkah? They've tried to commercialize it as much as they can and get a menorah in every public place with a Christmas tree for a holiday that is far from their most important one. Smart really. Their important holidays are kept as purely religious events. I don't think they'll be offended if you are serving pork.

The people who you really should be thinking about are the vegetarians. When you serve them canned green beans and mashed potatoes with no gravy and bread from a pop up can you can't expect them to come back again.

I say the official Christmas food should be vegetarian chili. It is easy to make so you can spend more time with your family. There will be plenty for everyone. It is good for you. And vegetarian chili tastes just as good as meat chili (if prepared correctly) so even the Jews, Muslims, and vegetarians can share the warmth of your home. They can share even more warmth when you bring out the jar of imported chilies and start making Christmas dares.

[rogh-sensei.livejournal.com]

[lynna12000.livejournal.com]

Um, actually, the traditional bird served for Christmas is a goose, at least it is in England. Turkey is a latecomer to the table; historically speaking.

In my family, turkey and ham are served at both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some people like turkey and some like ham. All are happy.

Over the years, we pared down on the side dishes. Now, it's stuffing (herb bread WITH giblets), mashed potatoes, home made cranberry sauce, fruit salad, dinner rolls, and gravy. As it is a holiday meal, normal rules for veggies are on hold.

And oddly enough, in some parts of New England, oyster stew IS a Christmas tradition.

[nani-ka.livejournal.com]

Its not about religion, its about what's on sale.... 29cents/lb for turkey? Thanksgiving! 29cents/lb for ham? Christmas!

[captain-slinky.livejournal.com]

Oh don't EVEN give me that... we both know you have a freezer full of day-after sale-priced turkeys AND hams :P

[nani-ka.livejournal.com]

Actually, I finally gave away my day-after turkey to my little brother, and this year's cow. I'll be picking up my 2011 turkey Monday night :) Last year's ham showing was sadly lackluster :(