December 1, 2024

Christmas Eve isn’t usually an event here in the US like it is in Europe. For most people I know, the day represents braving the crowds in a scramble to buy last minute gifts and get the cooking started for Christmas dinner. The day is more endured than celebrated.

For us, Christmas Eve is a time to slow down and appreciate the sentiments of the season. There are carols playing in the background, with some of our favorites dating back as far as the Tudor period in the 16th century, including one written by Henry VIII. There’s a fire crackling in the fireplace, and the house smells of fir and sweet spices from pomanders we made during our first Christmas season together, almost 35 years ago.

Naturally, the evening is food-focused, but not overly fussy. In fact, sometimes we’ll go out for dinner if one of our favorite restaurants in Portland is putting on something special. Last year, we indulged in a Roman-inspired Feast of the Seven Fishes at one of the few restaurants here that are open on Christmas Eve. The meal was amazing, and it prompted me to put seafood at the center of our Christmas Eve supper this year.