Why Do We Eat Turkey at Christmas? A Deep Dive into History, Culture, and Tradition
Introduction: A Question Served with Every Festive Meal
Every December, as families gather around decorated tables and festive lights glow warmly, a familiar turkey at Christmas centerpiece appears in many homes: a roasted turkey. It is carved ceremoniously, shared generously, and often followed by lively conversations, laughter, and memories. Yet despite how common this tradition feels, many people pause at some point to ask a surprisingly thoughtful question: why do we eat turkey at Christmas? The answer is not simple or singular. Instead, it is woven from threads of history, economics, geography, religion, and social change. Turkey’s place on the Christmas table is the result of centuries of evolving customs rather than a single moment or decision.
This article explores the origin...