There’s no denying that some foods are inherently Christmas-sy.
The likes of turkey, candy canes and gingerbread, while available all year round, are so associated with the festive period, you can’t help but think of the festival when you eat them.
Each dish on the Christmas dinner table is the result of centuries of tradition and evolution, with recipes created from ingredients that traversed the globe, and foods that defied political attempts to ban them.
Here are some classic Christmas foods and dishes, and the stories and traditions behind them.
Mince pies
The style of cooking that combined meats with fruits and spices was transported to Europe from the Middle East through the 11th to 13th centuries.
Pies that melded savoury and sweet ingredients became popular in England around that time, although some food historians argue the practice dated back to Roman times when sweetmeats were eaten during the December festival of Saturnalia.
During Tudor times, the pies were called “shrid pies” owing to the shredded meat, while the term “minched pies” came about in the Elizabethan era.
By the 16th century, they had been renamed “Christmas pies” and Puritans sought to ban them citing Christmas’s association with Catholicism.
Turkey
Turkey and Christmas go together like Easter and chocolate eggs, but it wasn’t always the bird of choice for the festive table.
In the UK, the meat centrepiece used to be anything from goose and beef to boar and chicken, with the wealthy opting for swan or peacock.
It was Henry VIII who began the turkey tradition in Britain. The bird was brought to Britain in 1526, most likely from Turkey via Spain, and farmers quickly realised that eating the imported bird meant they wouldn’t have to cull from their own livestock.
The birds were reared in Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire and the king tried a Norfolk Black bird for his Christmas meal. By the 17th-century, the turkey's position as the Christmas bird was widespread.
Gingerbread
The ingredients that create the traditional gingerbread taste arrived in Europe from the Middle East during the 11th century.
The spices, sugars, almonds and citrus fruits were combined in all manner of ways to create different styles and shapes of cakes and biscuits in different countries.
Gingerbread was a popular food sold at medieval festivals and fairs, where they were given as a sign of affection to children and loved ones, with Torun in Poland famous for the recipe since the 13th century.
Gingerbread men in particular were first served at the court of Queen Elizabeth I (who reigned from 1558 to 1603) where the figure-shaped biscuits would be served to visiting dignitaries.
They became more widespread as the ingredients became cheaper and more accessible, becoming a festive favourite as tree ornaments and gingerbread houses.
Stollen
While the heavy festive fruit bread is German in origin, having stollen at Christmas is a tradition that has spread across the world.
Weihnachtsstollen (Weihnachten is German for Christmas) was originally made with only flour, oats and water, and was first baked as a Christmas bread at the Council of Trent in 1545 with the additions of yeast and oil. Ingredients such as nuts, spices, dried fruit and marzipan were added over the centuries to sweeten it.
As the season of Advent was a time of fasting, bakers were not allowed to use butter in their stollen. Prince Ernst and his brother Duke Albrecht of medieval Saxony wrote to Pope Nicholas V in 1450 to request leniency in the rule, but were denied. Finally, in 1490, Pope Innocent VIII wrote the "Butter-Letter" to the prince, allowing the use of butter for the prince-elector, his family and household.
Candy canes
Legend has it that candy canes as we know them today originated in Germany in 1670.
According to folklore, the choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral needed a way to keep the children of the congregation quiet during the Christmas Eve service. He sought the services of a local sweet maker to create sugar sticks to keep the little ones occupied, but had them bent into the shape of shepherd’s crook to turn them into a teachable moment about Jesus.
Originally pure white in colour, the reds and greens we know today, as well as the peppermint flavour, were added centuries later in the 1800s.
Panettone
Meaning “large cake”, this soft Italian offering, which originated in Milan, is a popular sight on Christmas tables the world over. Panettone has its roots in the Roman Empire when it was a leavened cake sweetened with honey.
Its association with the festive season stems from the fact in the expenses register of the Borromeo college of Pavia, Lombardy, in 1599, it stated that on December 23, 2.3kg of butter, about 1kg of raisins and 85gm of spices were to be given to the baker to make 13 “loaves” to be given to college students on Christmas Day for lunch.
In the 18th century, scholar and economist Pietro Verri called the dish “pan de ton” (luxury bread).
Christmas pudding
Also known as plum pudding (although plum refers to raisins) this festive staple has its roots in medieval England, and was made from dried fruit, suet, breadcrumbs, flour, eggs and spice.
The modern Christmas pudding was first documented in the 17th century, with food historians pointing to a recipe in Mary Kettilby’s 1714 book A Collection of Above Three Hundred Receipts in Cookery, Physick and Surgery.
It wasn’t until the Victorian era (1837–1901) that the pudding became associated with Christmas, with Eliza Acton referring to it as “Christmas Pudding” in her 1845 book Modern Cookery for Private Families.
The sprig of holly placed on top represents everlasting life through the winter.
Yule log
The sweet festive favourite is called the buche de Noel in France, where it originated.
Benelux countries Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as Switzerland, Canada, Vietnam and Lebanon all have their own variations.
Traditionally, the yule log was just that, a large log cut from a tree and burnt in the home over the 12 days of Christmas to mark the new sun.
As modern cooking shifted from the fireplace to the hob, smaller logs were placed in the middle of the dinner table as representation, which inspired the modern chocolate version, complete with bark markings.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Sour%20Grapes
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First-round leaderbaord
-5 C Conners (Can)
-3 B Koepka (US), K Bradley (US), V Hovland (Nor), A Wise (US), S Horsfield (Eng), C Davis (Aus);
-2 C Morikawa (US), M Laird (Sco), C Tringale (US)
Selected others: -1 P Casey (Eng), R Fowler (US), T Hatton (Eng)
Level B DeChambeau (US), J Rose (Eng)
1 L Westwood (Eng), J Spieth (US)
3 R McIlroy (NI)
4 D Johnson (US)
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
The biog
Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates
Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.
Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.
Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile
Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran
Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
What is graphene?
Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.
It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.
It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.
It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.
Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.
The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Straightforward ways to reduce sugar in your family's diet
- Ban fruit juice and sodas
- Eat a hearty breakfast that contains fats and wholegrains, such as peanut butter on multigrain toast or full-fat plain yoghurt with whole fruit and nuts, to avoid the need for a 10am snack
- Give young children plain yoghurt with whole fruits mashed into it
- Reduce the number of cakes, biscuits and sweets. Reserve them for a treat
- Don’t eat dessert every day
- Make your own smoothies. Always use the whole fruit to maintain the benefit of its fibre content and don’t add any sweeteners
- Always go for natural whole foods over processed, packaged foods. Ask yourself would your grandmother have eaten it?
- Read food labels if you really do feel the need to buy processed food
- Eat everything in moderation
Sunday's games
Liverpool v West Ham United, 4.30pm (UAE)
Southampton v Burnley, 4.30pm
Arsenal v Manchester City, 7pm
The years Ramadan fell in May
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
MATCH INFO
Chelsea 1 (Hudson-Odoi 90 1')
Manchester City 3 (Gundogan 18', Foden 21', De Bruyne 34')
Man of the match: Ilkay Gundogan (Man City)
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
(All games 4-3pm kick UAE time) Bayern Munich v Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg v Mainz , Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg, Union Berlin v RB Leipzig, Cologne v Schalke , Werder Bremen v Borussia Monchengladbach, Stuttgart v Arminia Bielefeld
Company profile
Company: Eighty6
Date started: October 2021
Founders: Abdul Kader Saadi and Anwar Nusseibeh
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Hospitality
Size: 25 employees
Funding stage: Pre-series A
Investment: $1 million
Investors: Seed funding, angel investors
