Although most of us can't imagine sitting down to a Christmas dinner that doesn't involve a turkey, there are many countries around the world that have something completely different.

In Australia Christmas comes in the middle of summer, so clearly, there are variations to the roast dinner as we know it. There is turkey, ham and chicken, but they are either served cold or barbecued. Seafood such as shrimps, and steak, also make an appearance. Their favourite dessert is Pavlova, made with berries on top of a meringue.

In Austria and Germany, the last night before Christmas day signals the end of the pre Christmas fast. A feast of fried carp and Christmas cookies is usually eaten on Christmas Eve. Dinner on Christmas day comprises of Goose and ham, lots of alcohol and a chocolate mousse for dessert.

The traditional Christmas meal in the Czech Republic is fried carp with potato salad. This custom comes from the Baroque period when there was an excessive amount of fish, so everyone ate fish constantly rather than it going to waste. There are also an enormous variety of biscuits made in Czech households to give to visitors. The preparations for these start weeks in advance, and some always end up as decorations on the Christmas tree.

In Iceland, Christmas dinner is eaten at 1800 on Christmas Eve, prompt. The Christmas feasts vary wildly between families. There is a pork rib steak (Hamborgarhryggur), Reindeer, Lamb and Duck.

Christmas dinner in Mexico varies from region to region. It is always eaten on Christmas Eve and common dishes are plates of tropical fruit and salads including peanuts, beets and bananas. In several states, a stew of pork or beef is made. Central Mexico celebrates Christmas with Codfish with Rosemary.

In the Philippines, Christmas dinner is eaten when everyone returns from midnight mass. The centrepiece is a large ham, accompanied by Edam cheese balls. More affluent Filipino families prepare sumptuous dinners which include a spit roasted pig, chicken, various kinds of beef stew and other Filipino delicacies. It is a tradition in the Philippines that you must spend more on Christmas dinner than any other meal of the year, so even lower income families have a good dinner.

Wherever you are on Christmas day, and whatever you are having for your dinner, have a great Christmas.

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