Did you know December isn’t just about gingerbread houses, twinkling lights, and the anticipation of Christmas morning? It’s also a month brimming with delicious, often-overlooked, food holidays! While the world eagerly awaits the year-end festivities, a treasure trove of culinary celebrations sits patiently, waiting to be discovered. These aren’t your typical Christmas feasts; instead, they’re quirky, specific, and incredibly fun ways to spice up your December and explore the world of food in a new light. These delightful food holidays throughout December will add some spice to your month.
But what exactly are food holidays? Simply put, they’re days dedicated to honoring a specific food or drink, from the humble cookie to the rich indulgence of cocoa. Celebrating these occasions can be a fantastic way to break up the routine of the holiday season, encourage you to experiment with new recipes, and perhaps even learn a thing or two about the origin and history of your favorite treats. This article aims to be your guide to some of the most entertaining and delicious food holidays throughout December.
So, unwrap a little foodie fun with these delightful December celebrations! Get ready to embrace the month with a dash of flavor and a whole lot of festive cheer. This month offers numerous Food Holidays in December.
Early December Delights
As December dawns, the month kicks off with a trio of tantalizing food holidays that are sure to awaken your culinary spirit. These early celebrations are a wonderful opportunity to step away from the usual holiday hustle and bustle and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food. Let’s delve into the first week’s culinary adventures!
One of the earliest sweet spots in December is National Cookie Day. Observed on December fourth, this day celebrates the universally loved cookie. What better way to honor this sweet treat than by baking a batch of your favorite cookies? From classic chocolate chip to festive sugar cookies, the possibilities are endless. Consider trying a new recipe, perhaps a shortbread, peanut butter blossoms, or even a spiced gingerbread cookie to get into the holiday spirit. Did you know that the word “cookie” comes from the Dutch word “koekje,” meaning “small cake”? This National Cookie Day will be the sweetest food holiday in December!
Next on the list is National Cotton Candy Day, celebrated on December seventh. This airy, sugary confection is a nostalgic treat that evokes memories of carnivals and childhood fun. To celebrate, why not pick up a bag of cotton candy and indulge in its fluffy sweetness? Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own at home with a cotton candy machine! Did you know that cotton candy was invented in 1897 by William Morrison and John C. Wharton, and was originally called “fairy floss”?
Rounding out this early December trio is National Pear Month, a month-long celebration of this versatile and delicious fruit. Pears are at their peak season during the winter months, making December the perfect time to enjoy their juicy sweetness. From baking a pear tart to adding sliced pears to your salads, there are countless ways to incorporate this fruit into your diet. Consider trying a poached pear dessert or adding sliced pears to your cheese board for a sophisticated touch. The pear is one of the oldest cultivated fruits, with evidence of its cultivation dating back to ancient Greece. Pear treats will make December the most anticipated food holiday in December!
Mid-December Mouthwatering Moments
As we journey further into December, the food holiday celebrations continue to delight and inspire. The middle of the month brings with it a new wave of culinary adventures, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and warmth to the colder days.
One of the first highlights of mid-December is National Pastry Day, observed on December ninth. This day is dedicated to the art of pastry-making, from flaky croissants to decadent cakes. To celebrate, consider baking a batch of your favorite pastries at home. Perhaps try your hand at making a delicate French macaron or a comforting apple pie. If baking isn’t your thing, treat yourself to a pastry from your local bakery. Did you know that the word “pastry” comes from the Medieval English word “paste,” referring to the dough used to make pies and tarts? This pastry day will make December the most anticipated food holiday in December!
Another comforting food holiday in December is National Cocoa Day, celebrated on December thirteenth. What better way to warm up on a cold winter day than with a steaming mug of cocoa? This day is dedicated to the rich, chocolatey beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. To celebrate, whip up a batch of homemade cocoa and add your favorite toppings, such as marshmallows, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings. Or, try experimenting with different flavors, such as peppermint, cinnamon, or chili. Did you know that cocoa beans were first used by the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations?
These food holidays in December are a delightful way to break up the holiday hustle and bustle and savor the simple pleasures of good food.
Holiday Sweets & Treats
As the holiday season kicks into high gear, the food holidays throughout December reflect the festive spirit, offering a range of sweet and delightful treats to celebrate. These are the food holidays that perfectly complement the twinkling lights and holiday cheer.
National Chocolate Covered Anything Day, celebrated on December sixteenth, is a celebration of all things chocolate-covered. From chocolate-covered strawberries to chocolate-covered pretzels, the possibilities are endless. To celebrate, indulge in your favorite chocolate-covered treats or try making your own at home. You can dip fruits, nuts, candies, or even potato chips in melted chocolate for a personalized touch. Chocolate-covered anything day is a sure treat for a food holiday in December!
Then comes Bake Cookies Day, which falls on December eighteenth. This food holiday throughout December is all about embracing the warmth and joy of baking cookies. Gather your friends and family, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a batch of your favorite cookies. This is the perfect opportunity to try new recipes, decorate cookies with festive designs, and share your creations with loved ones. Baking cookies day is the sweetest food holiday in December!
Savory & Unexpected Celebrations
While December is often associated with sweet treats, there are also a few savory and unexpected food holidays to add some balance and surprise to the month.
National Bacon Day, celebrated on December thirtieth, is a celebration of this beloved breakfast staple. From crispy bacon strips to bacon-wrapped delicacies, there are countless ways to enjoy this savory treat. To celebrate, whip up a bacon-filled breakfast, add bacon to your lunch sandwich, or create a bacon-infused dinner dish. Did you know that bacon dates back to 1500 BC in China, where pork belly was salted and cured as a way to preserve it? Bacon Day will be the most delicious food holiday in December!
Another unexpected but exciting savory treat is National French Fried Shrimp Day, observed on December twenty-first. This food holiday is all about celebrating the delicious taste of this seafood meal.
These savory food holidays throughout December offer a welcome contrast to the sweetness of the holiday season, reminding us that there’s room for all kinds of culinary delights.
Conclusion
As you can see, December is far more than just a month of traditional holiday feasts. It’s a delightful celebration of food in all its quirky and delicious forms! From National Cookie Day to National Bacon Day, the month is filled with opportunities to explore new flavors, try new recipes, and add a touch of culinary fun to your holiday season. These food holidays throughout December are sure to add some spice to your month!
So, this December, why not step outside of the usual holiday traditions and try celebrating one of these lesser-known food holidays? Whether you bake a batch of cookies, whip up a mug of cocoa, or indulge in some bacon-wrapped treats, you’re sure to discover a new favorite food and create some delicious memories.
Share your food holiday celebrations on social media with #DecemberFoodHolidays! What’s your favorite December food holiday? Let us know in the comments! Wishing you a December filled with delicious discoveries and happy celebrations! Thank you for reading!
