Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Traditions are treasured when it comes to the holiday season.

As a child, I would accompany my family to Roanoke Rapids on Christmas Eve. We would somehow all squeeze inside a tiny home located on the grounds of Rosemary Baptist Church, where my step-grandfather, Theodore “Pop” Brown, served as the caretaker of the sprawling parcel of property located off 10^th Street (just past Roanoke Avenue).

There was always plenty of food, to include a wide assortment of desserts. And, every year, Pop Brown would give each grandchild a lunch-size paper bag containing an apple, an orange, a tangerine, several pieces of hard candy, and a handful of assorted nuts.

I thought it was the best gift ever! If you gave that to a kid today they would probably cry.

After Pop Brown passed away, the Bryant’s Christmas Eve tradition remained in Roanoke Rapids at the home of my dad’s brother, Greeley Bryant. Uncle Greeley and his wife, Opal, gave great gifts…typically a metal toy truck or tractor that I would spend lots of time playing with.

Later, that tradition moved to my mom and dad’s home, part of which focused on dad’s reading from the Bible about the birth of Jesus, with his children, and later his grandchildren, at his feet and hanging on every word.

And at some point before we enjoyed Christmas dinner, there was always a knock at the front door where we would find Geneva Barrow (my mom’s first cousin) who would come bearing her specialties: red velvet cake and caramel cake. My dad would knock you over if you got to the door before he did. He loved those cakes!

That tradition ended in 2004, the year I lost both parents.

When Deborah and I got married in 1979, another tradition began with her family. They always gathered on Christmas Day for lunch….first at her mom and dad’s home near Lewiston and later, after Mrs. Vann’s passing in 1987, at the home of Deborah’s oldest sister in Roanoke Rapids. There was enough food and desserts at both locations to feed an army.

But with age comes changes. Nowadays, Deborah and I spend Christmas Eve alone, usually wrapping gifts that will make their way to the home of our daughter, Danielle, on Christmas Day. There, we’ll enjoy a nice breakfast and then watch our grandson, Brody, open his gifts (along with those for Danielle and husband Brandon).

But what about the rest of the United States….what are the favorite foods at Christmas enjoyed by those living in other areas?

According to polling by Fabuwood, 3,000 people were asked to identify what food item they would most like to see on their tables this Christmas day.

The top 10 were as follows:

Taking the number one spot, New York-style cheesecake is set to be the most popular this festive season with its luxurious, velvety texture and perfectly balanced sweetness. Across the country, it’s celebrated as the ultimate holiday dessert, blending indulgence with a touch of elegance.

Securing second place, Idaho’s prime rib is a robust centerpiece that embodies comfort and sophistication. Its rich marbling and hearty flavor make it a sought-after dish for Christmas dinners nationwide, especially for those who value a traditional, meat-focused feast.

Coming in third, Texas-style BBQ brisket offers a smoky, tender, and flavorful experience that stands out on any holiday menu. This dish appeals to BBQ lovers across the U.S. who crave bold flavors during the festive season.

Bourbon-glazed ham from Kentucky placed #4 in the poll. Combining a classic holiday staple with the state’s iconic bourbon heritage, this dish is as comforting as it is celebratory.

Vermont’s maple-glazed ham checked in at #5. With its signature use of locally sourced maple syrup, it offers a unique sweetness that resonates with those seeking a blend of tradition and a hint of indulgence.

As a quintessential American dessert, Washington’s apple pie (#6) represents the best of the Pacific Northwest. Its flaky crust and tart-sweet apple filling make it a nostalgic favorite, reminding everyone why pie is a Christmas staple.

Virginia’s southern baked macaroni and cheese was choice at #7. Combining multiple cheeses and a golden, baked crust, it’s a comforting side that’s hard to resist, appealing to mac and cheese lovers from coast to coast.

At #8 is Alaska’s snow crab legs. Their delicate, sweet flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture are prized across America, adding an element of coastal charm to Christmas feasts. My daughter would probably vote crab legs as her #1 dish. I’ve never seen someone so small eat so many crab legs.

Another type of ham – Wisconsin’s honey-glazed entrée, offers a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with its savory, tender meat. It was #9 on the list.

Closing out the top 10 is Nevada’s bone-in ribeye steak. Its bold flavor and impressive presentation make it a top choice for those seeking something a little out of the ordinary for their Christmas celebration.

Two items from North Carolina made the top 100 list: sweet potato pie (#19) and Cheerwine barbecued chicken (#41).

Other holiday fare that piqued my interest were Florida’s key lime pie (#11…but popular on my list of personal favorites at any time of the year); pecan pie from Arkansas (#15 and another dessert from my past that my now late mom would prepare every Christmas); crab cakes from Maryland (#26), New York style clam chowder (#30); cheese roasted potatoes from Kansas (#38), crispy fried turkey from Oklahoma (#45), Nevada’s roasted pork loin (#53); chicken fried steak from Montana (#63); Maine’s oyster stuffing (#66…my late mother-in-law fixed a similar dish every Christmas that ranks as one of my all-time favorites); shoofly pie from Pennsylvania (#79); and Idaho’s huckleberry pie (#98).

No matter what tickles your tastebuds, holiday treats leave a lasting impression.

Here’s hoping you and your family enjoys all that this special time of the year has to offer.

Merry Christmas to all!

Cal Bryant is the Editor of Roanoke-Chowan Publications. Contact him at cal.bryant@r-cnews.com or 252-332-7207.