(NON LA CENA, MA IL PRANZO!)
In Britain, there’s not much variation: turkey with all the trimmings and a mountain of pudding.
In America, it’s roast all the way, stuffing (dressing) mashed potatoes and gravy and a typical apple pie.
In Europe, the main meal is held on 24 December, and there’s not a speck of turkey to be seen.
In Germany, legend has it that those who do not dine well (roast goose and red cabbage) on Xmas Eve will be haunted by demons...
In Poland people tuck into an enormous banquet called Wigilia, or the Star Supper.
Slovakia also has some unusual festive favourites, such as kapustnica, a thick sauerkraut soup and fried carp.
Despite the baking heat, Australians love a traditional British Christmas, but a picnic or barbie (barbecue) is just as common.
Finally, in Italy, most families avoid meat on Christmas Eve in favour of Fish, where delicacies such as fried eel are the star of the show.