When my parents split up, my sisters and I started a new holiday routine, alternating who we spent Christmas with each year. If it was my mom’s turn, we’d go to evening mass with our grandparents, dressed in our festive red and black dresses. We’d munch on my grandmother’s homemade snacks while singing along to Christmas carols, then change into matching pajamas before bedtime. But when it was my dad’s year, church was out, and so were the fancy dresses. Cooking wasn’t really his thing, so we’d order Chinese food instead. We loved gathering around the TV, enjoying our takeout while watching Christmas movies.
Fast forward to now, and our Christmas traditions have evolved. My husband and I cherish spending Christmas Eve just with our little family—our two kids and us. Since our family is still young, we’re in the midst of establishing our own holiday customs.
We’ve integrated some of our favorite childhood traditions into our celebrations, like letting the kids open their stockings, jamming to Christmas tunes, and, of course, ordering Chinese food—it’s a must.
Is Chinese Food on Christmas a ‘Thing’?
Absolutely! It’s not just a tradition; it’s practically a cultural staple. You’ve probably seen portrayals of Jewish American families, especially in New York, enjoying Chinese cuisine on Christmas. Or perhaps you remember that humorous scene in A Christmas Story where Ralphie’s family dines on Peking duck after their turkey is ruined. This delightful tradition has deep historical roots—around the turn of the century, Jewish and Chinese immigrants were two of the most prominent non-Christian groups in New York, leading to a strong connection between the communities and the rise of Chinese restaurants nearby. Early references indicate that American Jews would frequent these establishments on Sundays when Christians were busy at church, thus establishing a tradition of enjoying Chinese food on Christmas as a communal and secular celebration.
If you’re looking for Chinese food on Christmas, you’re in luck. Many restaurants remain open on December 25, so a quick Google Maps search will point you in the right direction.
For many American Jews, the appeal of Chinese food lies in the fact that, while not all dishes are kosher, they are often more compliant with dietary laws compared to other cuisines. Traditional Italian or Mexican meals often mix milk and meat, while Chinese fare tends to be dairy-free. But the Christmas day Chinese food tradition has expanded beyond Jewish families to anyone who prefers to avoid cooking and would rather enjoy time with loved ones. There’s something undeniably festive about diving into a container of General Tso’s chicken!
Recently, we moved to a new neighborhood, which meant trying out different Chinese restaurants. I went from disappointment (“They forgot the duck sauce!”) to sheer frustration (“You call this lo mein?!”). I had resigned myself to a Christmas Eve of cooking—until I stumbled upon a little Chinese spot in a strip mall. It wasn’t new, but it was new to me. After a test run of their takeout, I was thrilled to find they passed the taste test.
So, the tradition continues!
On Christmas Eve, while I’m wrapping gifts (again, I procrastinated), I find myself making late-night fridge trips for leftover egg rolls. This is what makes the holiday special!
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In summary, Christmas and Chinese food have intertwined beautifully, creating a cherished tradition worth continuing. Whether you grew up with it or are just starting your own family celebrations, there’s a warmth in sharing a meal that brings everyone together.
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