As the winter holidays approach, stores filled with gift-seeking shoppers aren’t the only places rumbling with excitement; many stomachs, too, are preparing for the festivities. After all, the taste of Christmas is an integral part of the enjoyment—the refreshing sweetness of peppermint, warming waves of hot cocoa accompanied by marshmallow sea foam, crispiness of golden-baked cookies oozing with chocolate, rich creaminess of eggnog, and more. Whether homemade or bought, there are a variety of treats and beverages to partake in during this merry time of year. Listed below are some of the most famous traditional favorites to indulge in, not in any particular order:

#1: Gingerbread:

Gingerbread—which encompasses baked goods made with a combination of ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon sweetened with molasses, honey, or sugar—is a staple among Christmas treats (thespruceeats.com). Aside from bread loaves, most are familiar with gingerbread’s famous cookie form. Some may have childhood memories of decorating and constructing gingerbread people and houses, outlining their shapes with cookie cutters and frosting smiles onto their creations. It is common to accessorize gingerbread people with small candies, gumdrop buttons being one of the traditional choices. “Gingy,” a gingerbread man from the hit animated film, Shrek, expresses the significance of such accessories when he begs Lord Farquaad not to remove his gumdrop buttons during an interrogation.

#2: Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa

Nothing is more satisfying than warming up with a mug of hot chocolate or cocoa during the chilly winter. What’s the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa, you ask? Hot chocolate has a “base of thick, melted chocolate” that provides a more deep, rich flavor, while hot cocoa is made with powdered mix and added flavorings, making for a more artificial and sweet alternative (masterclass.com). Marshmallows are a popular addition to both drinks, with certain brands producing unique seasonal shapes and colors to enhance the festive fun. 

#3: Eggnog

Although drinks like hot chocolate and hot cocoa are winter favorites, eggnog—a drink made with “eggs, milk, cream, spices like nutmeg and vanilla, and sugar” —seems to be more associated with Christmas in particular (simplyrecipes.com). For an adult twist, alcoholic beverages can be added, creating an “egg milk punch” (wikipedia.com). In colonial times, this was done to “prevent spoilage.” Historically, the beverage dates back to being a “wintertime favorite of the British aristocracy” hundreds of years ago (slate.com). However, it is now enjoyed simply for its warm properties and seasonal flavors.

#4: Peppermint-flavored Treats and Drinks

In contrast to the warming hot chocolate, cocoa, and eggnog, the fresh flavor of peppermint compliments the cool Christmas weather. From the confections like the iconic candy cane to drinks like Starbucks’s seasonal peppermint mocha, red-and-white minty madness dominates the market. Mrs. Messick (staff), YLHS’s culinary teacher, believes that “the best holiday treat is a peppermint-chocolate milkshake. The combination of these two ingredients remind [her] of the holiday season,” she says. Sweet yet refreshing, peppermint is essential to the holiday palette. 

Ultimately, numerous treats and beverages are to be enjoyed during the holidays. From yuletide culinary classics to cultural or modern spins, ‘tis the sampling season for those who wish to expand their palette or enjoy festive favorites. However, what enhances the gastronomical experience of Christmas is the memories made with those around us. As Mrs. Messick (S) states, “meals shared with family and friends during the holidays create special bonds and memories for many people. Families often prepare recipes passed down from generation to generation.” As the old saying goes, “the more, the merrier.” Try following recipes for and sharing the foods recommended above and more with others, and you may end up fulfilled in both your stomach and heart.