How Italians Celebrate Christmas Eve
- Jennifer Foth
- Dec 21, 2022
- 2 min read
The Feast of Seven Fishes is a Christmas tradition that originated in Italy. The feast is typically a large, multi-course meal that includes seven different seafood dishes. The seafood is usually cooked in various ways, such as baked, fried, or stewed. While the origins of the feast are unknown, it is thought to be a way to honor the wait for the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

In recent years, the Feast of Seven Fishes has become popular in the United States as a way to celebrate Christmas Eve with family and friends. If you're interested in hosting your own Feast of Seven Fishes this year, read on for some tips and ideas!
1. Plan ahead. This feast is not something you want to try to throw together at the last minute. Make a list of all the dishes you want to prepare, as well as any ingredients you'll need to buy. This will help you avoid any last-minute scrambling (and potential stressful arguments) at the grocery store.
2. Keep it simple. There's no need to go overboard with this feast. Seven dishes is plenty! Choose a mix of easy-to-prepare and more time-consuming recipes so that you're not spend all night in the kitchen. Planning ahead (see tip #1) will also help make sure that everything gets done on time.
3. Be flexible. Not everyone loves seafood, and that's okay! If someone in your family isn't a fan of fish, feel free to substitute one of their favorite dishes in place of one of the seafood options. Chicken parmesan or lasagna would make a great replacement for anyone who doesn't enjoy fish.
4. Enjoy yourself! This should be a fun and festive evening spent with loved ones. So relax, have a glass of wine (or two), and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
The Feast of Seven Fishes is a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas Eve with family and friends. By following these simple tips, you can easily host your own Feast of Seven Fishes dinner party!
Comments