A new national survey from Taylor Farms offers insight into the dishes Americans remember most from their childhood Christmas dinners, and shows how regional patterns shape those memories.
For Maryland households, many of the nostalgic favorites line up closely with national trends, but certain regional influences give the Mid-Atlantic its own character. By comparing national results with findings from the broader Northeast region, the survey shows how closely local families follow classic American traditions while also embracing the cultural influences that set the region apart.
Holiday ham remains popular
Nationally, the survey found that Christmas ham is the most memorable holiday centerpiece in the United States.
A total of 49.3 percent of respondents said ham was the main dish they associated with Christmas growing up. Turkey ranked second at 32.6 percent, and 13.1 percent of respondents recalled roast beef or prime rib. These results reflect long-standing American traditions built around hearty meats and slow-cooked holiday meals.
Maryland Christmas trends
Maryland fits this picture, but with some added regional nuance. A total of 44.4 percent of respondents identified ham as their most memorable Christmas main dish, and 38.9 percent identified turkey.
Roast beef followed at 11.1 percent. These percentages align closely with the national trend, suggesting that Maryland households share many of the same holiday preferences as the rest of the country.
Italian American influence in the Northeast
What sets the Northeast apart, however, is the strong presence of Italian American food traditions.
The survey found that 44.5 percent of Northeastern respondents remember lasagna or baked ziti as part of their childhood Christmas celebrations, almost twice the rate of any other region.
This regional characteristic helps explain why Maryland families, especially in areas with large Italian American communities, may recall pasta dishes alongside more conventional American Christmas staples. In fact, 25 percent of people surveyed in Maryland listed lasagna or baked ziti as a cultural favorite.
Many also remember seafood-based dishes associated with the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a tradition celebrated in pockets of the Mid-Atlantic.
Seasonal side trends
Side dishes also play an important role in defining Christmas memories. Nationally, mashed potatoes ranked as the most nostalgic side dish, chosen by 57.15 percent of respondents. Stuffing followed at 43 percent, with mac and cheese close behind at 40 percent. Gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, potatoes au gratin, and various vegetable-based dishes also earned strong recall.
Blending national and regional identities
Maryland closely reflects these national patterns. Local families are likely to recognize this lineup of familiar sides, since mashed potatoes, stuffing, and mac and cheese remain staples in many Mid-Atlantic homes. The region’s food identity is therefore a blend of national classics and regional additions rather than a major departure from mainstream Christmas traditions.
An emerging desire for health
The survey also highlights an emerging change that cuts across every region. While Americans continue to value the dishes they grew up with, a growing trend for healthier lifestyle choices leads many to want lighter, more plant-based options at the holiday table.
A total of 64 percent of respondents said they want healthier dishes at Christmas, and 73 percent said they are willing to introduce vegetable-focused holiday dishes that still feel festive.
To support this shift, Taylor Farms suggests several modern alternatives to classic Christmas sides. These include garlic mashed cauliflower as a lighter substitute for traditional mashed potatoes, a roasted squash-based salad to replace sweet potato casserole, acorn squash cups filled with a cauliflower mixture as a more balanced take on stuffing, and air-fried Brussels sprouts with pistachios and goat cheese as a fresh update to green bean casserole. These ideas aim to provide familiar flavors with a lighter profile.
Making Christmas dishes healthier
Maryland families, who often serve a mix of Northeast staples and Mid Atlantic favorites, may find these suggestions a good compromise between healthy eating and hearty traditional fare – a way to balance the table without abandoning tradition. Households that incorporate seafood, pasta dishes, or regional specialties, such as crab-based appetizers, can also incorporate lighter sides to create a holiday meal that reflects both heritage and current preferences.
As Charis Neves of Taylor Farms notes in the study, Christmas foods hold emotional value because they are deeply tied to memory. Still, many families are looking for ways to update the holiday menu without losing what makes it meaningful.
Give traditional dishes a healthy twist
The Taylor Farms survey shows that Maryland’s Christmas dinner table aligns closely with national traditions while also carrying regional influences that make it distinct. With interest in lighter dishes growing, families now have more options to combine nostalgic favorites with fresher holiday ideas.
