The UK Christmas Dinner

Since I have lived in the UK, I noticed that the Christmas period is a bit like the Chinese New Year: instead of red pocket money, people exchange gifts. They also eat a vast amount of food which you don't normally do at any other time. Nowadays, I visit my husband's family for Christmas. My sister-in-law used to cook turkey for Christmas. However this time, when she took out the bird from the oven, I thought: what is that?

She had decided to get something different: a 'three bird roast' instead, which consisted of goose on the outside, pheasant in the middle, and chicken innermost. Comparing to the traditional turkey, this was much more interesting and it tasted really good!

Vegetables are always part of the meal. Roast potato is a must, but she had also made some mash potato, roasted parsnips, boiled Brussels sprouts and red cabbage... Even if you are a meat lover, you would be attracted by the colourful veg in front of you.

In my husband's family, we normally pull the Christmas crackers just before the meal. Whoever gets the larger portion of the cracker is the winner. Then we wear the paper hat, read the jokes and study the contents inside, it is usually a small toy.

Oh, I've nearly forgotten to mention that British people open their Christmas gifts on 25th, not on  Boxing Day (26th). I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year, see you next year!

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