No matter where you are in the world on December 25th, if you celebrate Christmas, then there is no hiding from the fact that a massive part of Christmas Day traditions is based around food. Almost every country has at least one unique dish that is sure to be found on tables around the country. Whether it’s a golden roast turkey or the traditional Japanese bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken at the centre of your table on the day, we can all agree that ’tis the season for feasting!

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, people around the country are ready for a Christmas dinner feast; many fast on Christmas Eve. Most people will only snack on golden, sweet bread throughout the day to save their stomachs for a larger evening meal. The meal usually consists of two courses—a starter of fish soup or mushroom Kuba (a risotto-style dish made using barley). Potato salad and fried fish, normally Carp, are on the menu for the main course.

Finland

In Finland, Christmas is celebrated on the 24th of December. Usually, the table will consist of a swede casserole, beetroot salad, and the year-long anticipated baked ham at the centre of the table. The Christmas table is known in Finland as the Joulupöytä, which translates as ‘Yule table’. There may also be other casseroles, pates, and fish dishes on the table.

France

In France, the main Christmas meal is enjoyed on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. The day is called Le Réveillon, which translates as staying up all night in preparation for the arrival of Santa (known as Père Noël in France). The meal will typically consist of several dishes, including fish dishes such as oysters, prawns, and lobsters. Other dishes include foie gras, roast turkey studded with chestnuts and a large variety of cheeses. The desert is typically a Yule Log known as bûche de Noël. Traditionally people are served 13 desserts in reference to Jesus and his 12 apostles at the last supper. Tradition says each guest must have a small bit of each dessert.

Hawaii

Hawaii has its own version of a traditional Christmas dinner, with no roast potatoes or Christmas pudding. Locals have named their Christmas meal the Christmas luau. Some traditional dishes that may be served include a starter of poke, a raw fish salad; the most traditionally served poke is ahi poke – which is made with yellowfish tuna. The Kalua pig is commonly served as the ultimate Hawaiian Christmas feast. A whole roasted pig cooked in an underground oven on hot rocks and banana leaves. The Christmas luau is often finished on the beach, where locals can be seen surfing in Santa suits.

Chile

Chile is another country where families will gather on Christmas Eve for their big Christmas dinner. Though they still celebrate Christmas on the 25th, the special Christmas feast is enjoyed the evening before. Even though other meats may appear, roast turkey is the most common meat on tables across Chile. Vegetables and potatoes also hold their place at the Christmas meal across the country. There will usually be Chilean wine alongside the traditional holiday drink called cola de mono, “tail of the monkey”. Each family has a slightly different recipe and way of making it. Still, the main ingredients usually consist of coffee, milk, sugar, and aguardiente (distilled alcoholic beverage between 29 and 60 per cent alcohol by volume).

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'Tis the season for feasting: Christmas dinner in five countries