Professor at Hochschule Düsseldorf
Studied Political Science & Sociology at Ruhr University Bochum. Graduated 1999
First, Christmas is three evenings for Germans: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Second Christmas Day. So, we have three special dinners.
Second, there is a great difference between Catholics and Protestants. Especially, on Christmas Eve, many Protestants are decent, eating just potato salad with Frankurter/wiener sausages, while Catholics are more savoring.
Now, what are the savoring dishes, according to statistics?
- For Christmas Day, the most traditional dish is goose. However, for many people (couples, singles), a goose is too big, so a duck is a smaller alternative which has a similar taste, look and feel.
- Alternatively, venison is quite popular as a festive dish.
- Pork roast or beef roast is also popular, although we would not consider these as special dishes.
- Especially for Christmas Eve (not so much for Christmas Day), Fondue or Raclette are quite popularer.
Now, the statistical data:
Christmas Eve:
19% sausages with potato salad
17% fondue or raclette
9% beef or pork roast
9% fish or goose or duck
4% venison
For Christmas Day:
28% goose or duck
15% beef or pork roast
7% venison
5% fondue or raclette
4% fish
