Our traditional Christmas dinners have changed many times over the years as the family and extended families have grown and shrunk and moved in and out. Growing up as a kid we had Christmas out at the "family" farm where there might be anywhere from 40-70 people there. Back then we'd pit roast either a deer of a buffalo, as both were raised on the farm, and of course sugar cured and country ham, and there'd be a roast goose or two (which should please the Col) and/or some ducks or turkeys. There was also plenty of fried rabbit and squirrel to go around. Lots of casseroles and potatoes prepared in every way imaginable. Tons of vegetables, you name it. And the pies and cakes. Too many.
As time went on and the gatherings got smaller we moved to a simpler and more traditional Christmas with turkey or ham or both, although I still liked to toss a rabbit or two in the mix every now and then, 'cause, well, nothing says Christmas quite like fried rabbit. The obligatory green bean casserole with the canned mushroom soup and the French fried onions on top is a perennial favorite, as is that dessert thing with mini marshmallows and grapes and pineapple and coconut and and sour cream and whatever else they throw in there.
We've had the big Christmas breakfast and then basically a day long buffet where people picked this or that throughout the day and evening, whatever was being cooked or brought in at the time. A little bit of everything from Swedish meatballs to chinese food and Mexican (yeah, a taco bar) to burgers and whatever. The buffet is a popular theme anymore. We've also had the traditional burgers and hot dogs, as well as Cracker Barrel and Denny's.
This Christmas nothing major is planned. My mom's now gone and my stepdad will work on Christmas Day, my brother nor I will be there until sometime on Christmas Day itself. The big get-together this year will be on Sunday, where the plan is steaks and chops.
Mainly, it's the get-together more than what is eaten at it.
