The glistening snow blankets the ground outside as breath turns into fog in the frosty air. A sense of comfort fills the house from the warmth of the crackling fireplace while the sweet aroma of warm pastries and freshly brewed coffee permeates every room. This isn't just a morning; it's Christmas morning, where the common tradition of Christmas breakfast polishes the beauty of these festive holidays.
Christmas breakfast is not only a feast of delicious food but also a gateway for bonding and celebration. The tradition of enjoying breakfast together during Christmas emanates from various cultural backgrounds, highlighting the diversity and unifying impact within the American society (Flandrin et al., 2014)[1].
In America, Christmas breakfast often involves a hearty menu, varied from family to family, but common dishes include pancakes, ham, French toast casserole, and pastries, among others (Davidson, 2014)[2]. It's not just about the food, it's about the warmth, the togetherness, and the recognition of the holiday season. As families gather around the table, the joy of sharing a meal becomes a nexus of raw emotions and shared memories.
One cannot deny the role of historical influences upon the Christmas breakfast tradition. The way we eat during the holidays reflects our heritage, our traditions, and our values evolving over time. Smithsonian Magazine noted that many modern American Christmas traditions, including specific breakfast menus, date back to Victorian times in the 19th century [3].
Christmas breakfast also provides a momentary pause from the frenzied unwrapping of gifts. It's a time to slow down, a time to savor not just the food but the company. This power of tradition to bring people closer, harnessing the magic of the holiday season, has been encapsulated by sociologist Emile Durkheim’s concept of 'collective effervescence,' referring to the heightened energy and unity arising from shared experiences [4].
Furthermore, modern families are evolving this tradition, incorporating healthier options into their feast, reflecting increasing consciousness about nutrition. Christmas morning bread rolls with cranberries and tall glass of whole milk are seen joining the traditional recipes (Davidson, 2017)[5].
Integrating such healthful alternatives demonstrates an adaptation of longstanding traditions to fit contemporary needs and sensibilities.
To sum up, the ritual of Christmas breakfast embodies the spirit of unity, understanding, and shared joy. It exemplifies the culinary culture of America and showcases its diversity, adaptability, and the richness of tradition. Christmas breakfast is indeed a celebration, resonating the yuletide spirit across the American households, bringing a sense of unity to the hustling morning of Christmas Day.
References:
1. Flandrin, Jean-Louis, et al. "Food: A Culinary History from Antiquity to the Present.” Columbia University Press, 2014. [https://cup.columbia.edu/book/food/9780231111552]
2. Davidson, Alan. "The Oxford Companion to Food.” Oxford University Press, 2014. [https://www.oxfordscholarship.com/view/10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199677337.001.0001/acprof-9780199677337]
3. Krugler, John D. "A Victorian Christmas.” Smithsonian Magazine. Dec, 2007. [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-victorian-christmas-97192895/]
4. Mestrovic, Stjepan G. "Emile Durkheim and the Reformation of Sociology.” Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 1988. [https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780847677548/Emile-Durkheim-and-the-Reformation-of-Sociology]
5. Davidson, Alan. "Your New Christmas Breakfast Tradition!” Cooking Light, Dec, 2017. [https://www.cookinglight.com/entertaining/holidays-occasions/new-christmas-breakfast-traditions]
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