How did turkey become a staple of English cuisine during the holiday season?

What did Scrooge buy for the Cratchit family on Christmas day?

What role did Dickens play in popularizing the tradition of eating turkey during Christmas?

Scrooge's Gift to the Cratchit Family

Scrooge bought the Cratchit family a turkey on Christmas day as a gesture of goodwill.

The History of Turkey in English Cuisine

Turkey became a staple of English cuisine, particularly during the holiday season, through a combination of factors.

Turkey has been a part of English cuisine for centuries, but it gained prominence as a Christmas dish for several reasons. One theory suggests that Charles Dickens' portrayal of Scrooge's generous act of sending a turkey to the Cratchit family in "A Christmas Carol" helped popularize the tradition. While Dickens' vivid depiction undoubtedly had an impact on Victorian society, the tradition of eating turkey during Christmas had already existed.

In fact, turkey had been enjoyed as a Christmas supper well before Dickens' time. The bird was introduced to England in the 16th century by explorers returning from the New World. Turkey quickly gained popularity due to its affordability and versatility in culinary applications. By the 19th century, turkey had become a symbol of prosperity and celebration, making it an ideal choice for festive occasions like Christmas.

Dickens' influence on Christmas traditions should not be discounted, as his works did contribute to the sentimentalization of the holiday season. However, it is essential to recognize that the popularity of turkey during Christmas was a result of historical and cultural factors that predated Dickens. The tradition continues to this day, with turkey remaining a quintessential part of the English Christmas feast.