Christmas is a table filled with stories. The dishes we prepare at this time of year are rarely chosen at random. Some come from family traditions, others belong to the region where we live and a few simply became favourites somewhere along the way.

Every family seems to have something that returns each Christmas. It might be a particular starter, a grandmother's dessert, seafood on Christmas Eve or a bottle opened only for special occasions. Even the smallest traditions can become surprisingly important once they have been repeated for several years.

Food also tells us something about where Christmas is being celebrated. In France, oysters, foie gras, smoked salmon and bûche de Noël may appear on the festive table. Italy has its panettone and regional Christmas dishes while northern European tables bring their own combinations of fish, meat, baking and winter spices.

Travelling and changing families add new traditions. A recipe tasted on holiday can eventually become part of Christmas at home. Partners bring dishes from their own families and children sometimes introduce completely new favourites.

This is why no two Christmas tables are exactly the same. They gradually become a collection of places, people and memories expressed through food.

And each December, when familiar dishes return to the table, another year is added to their story.

How can personal traditions shape the rest of Christmas?
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