Everyone knows the start of Christmas is really during Thanksgiving. Between seeing family, eating good food, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, and the National Dog Show, it just starts to feel like Christmas has started. And just as the National Dog Shows ranks dogs as the best in each class, we’re going to rate the best food and drink in every class here. Whether it’s a holiday drink, a snack, candy, or a main dish, we’ve got our best in Christmas class ranked across all sectors here.
Candy
Starting light, we’re going to rank our favorite Christmas candy. Of course, there are major contenders in this category like Reese’s peanut butter cups in the tree form, candy canes, M&M’s, and more, but we aren’t going to choose a candy you can buy at the store. Part of the Christmas feeling is homemade food and being around family, so our number one choice is cinnamon glass.
I remember as a kid, my aunt would always make cinnamon glass for me because she knew I loved it. Granted, she would make just about every candy and sweet treat under the sun, but I could always count on having a gallon-sized Ziploc bag full of candy glass in my stocking from her.
Unfortunately, she doesn’t have a set recipe, and just makes it from memory every time, but she did say this recipe looks similar to how she makes it here.
Drink
The holiday season calls for some delightful beverages to warm up the soul. When it comes to the perfect Christmas drink, the classic choice that tops our list is a steaming cup of homemade peppermint hot chocolate. There’s just something magical about the blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint that embodies the festive spirit. Imagine cozying up by the fireplace, sipping on a mug of creamy, cocoa goodness infused with the coolness of peppermint. It’s a treat that brings comfort and joy to chilly winter evenings, making it a quintessential holiday indulgence.
Hot chocolate is easy enough to make from the packets, but you could also go fancy by melting chocolate into milk and enjoying it that way. Although there are hundreds of different ways to make hot chocolate at home, and almost all of them are delicious, we like the one on TikTok here.
Holiday Party Drink
For those festive gatherings and merry celebrations, a sparkling cranberry and rosemary cocktail takes the crown. This enchanting drink combines the tartness of cranberries with the aromatic essence of rosemary and the effervescence of sparkling water or champagne. It’s a sophisticated yet festive libation that’s sure to elevate any holiday gathering.
Dessert:
When it comes to Christmas desserts, nothing beats the timeless appeal of a classic Yule log cake, also known as a Bûche de Noël. This decadent dessert, resembling a log ready for the fireplace, is a rolled sponge cake filled with luscious chocolate or coffee-flavored cream and topped with ganache or buttercream frosting. It’s a showstopper that not only looks impressive on the dessert table but also delights taste buds with its indulgent flavors.
The best part about Yule logs is that they go perfectly with a Harry Potter movie marathon, an essential aspect of every Christmas. Given the Yule Ball in the Goblet of Fire, this dessert is a great thing to eat while watching the movie and drinking some butter beer.
Snack:
A must-have snack during the festive season is undoubtedly homemade gingerbread cookies. These aromatic and spiced treats not only fill the house with a delightful fragrance but also offer the perfect combination of sweetness and warm spices. Whether in the shape of gingerbread men, stars, or hearts, these cookies are a quintessential Christmas snack that’s loved by both kids and adults alike.
Side:
No Christmas feast is complete without the comforting presence of creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes. Velvety smooth mashed potatoes seasoned with butter, cream, and a hint of garlic or herbs perfectly complement any main dish on the holiday table. They’re the ultimate comforting side that brings a touch of warmth and familiarity to the festive meal.
Many people say mashed potatoes are overhyped and undeserving of their high ranking, especially given their presence at Thanksgiving, Easter, and many other holidays, but we disagree. Mashed potatoes are timeless, classic, and versatile. My favorite way to make holiday mashed potatoes is parmesan, garlic, and rosemary mashed potatoes, giving it an extra flare that goes perfectly with ham or prime rib.
Main Dish:
The main dish is a competition. Of course, turkeys are popular at Christmas, but they have a holiday dedicated to them. The top two in our eyes are ham and prime rib. Of course prime rib is a little more steep in price, but something about it is perfect for Christmas time with the family. However, ham has to steal the show given how good it is and how easy it is to feed a large family with one. Honey Baked Ham is of course the best way to go, but the cinnamon-glazed hams at Sam’s Club hit the spot all the same.
I’ve always preferred ham over Turkey, and as a result, preferred Easter and Christmas over Thanksgiving. Because of that, it is Ham’s time to shine at Christmas.
