The holidays are here and many families have started discussing their programs for Christmas.
Christmas dining is more than a date on the calendar and an important part of celebrations.
For many Christmas begins at the table — filled with the flavours, aromas, and traditions that define the season.
Long before gifts are unwrapped or carols play, the heart of Christmas comes alive in the kitchen, where roasting, sweet spices, and shared memories mingle in the air.
Across households, Christmas dining is a ritual of connection, shaped by place, heritage, and family custom. Whether it is the slow preparation of recipes passed down through generations or the lively bustle of relatives crowding the kitchen, food is always a powerful expression of togetherness.
Each dish carries a story — of grandparents perfecting a favourite recipe, children learning their first cooking skills, and family members whose signature dishes are expected during this time of the year.
While Christmas menus vary from glazed hams and seafood feasts to fruit-laden puddings and tropical favourites — the meaning behind them remains the same.
In Fiji, this meaning is often embodied in the Christmas lovo, cooked underground over hot stones. The prep for the lovo is deeply communal, reflecting the spirit of sharing that defines the season.
There are those scraping the coconuts, cleaning the pit, peeling the dalo, making palusami and marinating the meat. Though the selection of meats, root crops, and greens may differ from one household to another, the gathering itself is what gives the meal its significance.
Christmas meals are about who gathers around the table or ibe ni kana.
The spread becomes a symbol of gratitude and abundance, offering a moment for families to reconnect amid the demands of daily life. It is here that stories are shared, laughter flows freely, and bonds are strengthened.
As time changes, so too does the way people celebrate. Modern Christmas dining now blends traditional favourites with contemporary touches — locally sourced ingredients, eco-conscious hosting, and influences from cuisines around the world.
Yet even with these evolving trends, the essence of Christmas remains warm.
As plates are passed around and conversations linger, the Christmas spirit is shared among family members.
Long after the dishes are cleared, it is the moments created around the table that endure, reminding us that the true magic of Christmas lies not in the food itself, but in the people who share it.
Picture: CHRISTMAS FOOD WEB
Long after the dishes are cleared, it is the moments created around the table or spread that endure during Christmas. Picture: NUTRISENSE
