There is a long standing tradition, at least in the U.S. for having chinese food in a restaurant on 25 Dec. After all, what else is there to do? And for the 50s and 60s, when I was growing up, those were the only restaurants that were open.
It might have derived from the East Coast (NYC) or perhaps the west. But that was what the average (non-kashrut observing) family did. Or go to the movies – if you were in a town/city that was large enough to have its own theater that showed something.
Being as I worked my way through University and Medical school, I was usually around over the winter holidays, looking for other like minded students.
In the years since then, it was automatic.
This year, my kids asked —-why not Indian?
I stood there like an idiot. Of course we can eat Indian this year, call and make a reservation (this is said at 1300 in the afternoon with no hope of anyone answering the phone).
About an hour later, it was confirmed – Taj Mahal at 1800. And smoking is now completely banded in our German State. How lovely!
We have choices, while maintaining the eating out tradition. The kids were not even offered a movie, after all, there are rooms to clean and email just waiting.
Dinner was great, nan to soup to main courses. Much cheaper here on the continent than in the U.K., while still maintaining the advantage of no pork at all on the menu.
So my friends, if you are still in the rut of eating Chinese on the 25th why not expand your horizons next year. Think about Indian, or Thai, or Vietnamese, even Japanese. There are choices beyond the tradition on your way to the movies.
-Holly
This is a great idea. And you can even find vegetarian Indian restaurants. We have one not far from us in NJ. A great way to spend Christmas Eve.