Holiday Food Traditions

Have you ever wondered why people gift fruitcakes at Christmas and chow down on turkey at Thanksgiving? We did some digging to find out why we eat certain foods on specific days of the year.

By Monica Bhide

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Christmas

Many a joke has been made about the Christmas fruitcake. Johnny Carson famously quoted writer Calvin Trillin's theory that "There is only one fruitcake, and that this fruitcake is simply sent on from year to year." But why do we eat it? Fruitcake dates back to ancient times when creating cakes filled with expensive dried fruits and nuts was a way of showing prosperity. It was often served at special events, which is likely how it became part of the Christmas tradition.

What is your favorite holiday food? Tell Us.

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