7 Ways To Celebrate A Southern Christmas

The holiday season is upon us, and for those who call the South home, Christmas is a time to celebrate in true Southern style. From warm hospitality to traditional recipes, the South knows how to make the most of this special time of year. Here are seven ways to celebrate a Southern Christmas that will make your holiday season merry and bright.

Host a Holiday Dinner with Classic Southern Flair

When it comes to a Southern Christmas, food is at the heart of the celebration. A classic holiday dinner might feature dishes like fried turkey, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and of course, pecan pie for dessert. But the key to a truly Southern Christmas dinner is the company, so make sure to invite friends and family to join in the feast. Don't forget to set the table with fine china, linens, and plenty of candlelight to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Traditional Southern Recipes to Try:

• Fried Turkey: A Southern twist on the classic roasted turkey, fried turkey is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. • Sweet Potato Casserole: A sweet and savory side dish featuring sweet potatoes, marshmallows, and a crunchy pecan topping. • Green Bean Casserole: A classic Southern side dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. • Pecan Pie: A nutty and sweet dessert that's a staple of Southern holiday gatherings.

Deck the Halls with Southern Charm

When it comes to decorating for Christmas, the South knows how to bring the charm. Think twinkling lights, garlands of greenery, and festive wreaths on every door. But what really sets a Southern Christmas apart is the attention to detail. From the perfectly fluffed mistletoe to the intricately arranged Christmas village, every element is carefully considered to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. So why not try adding some Southern charm to your holiday decor this year?

Southern Christmas Decorating Ideas:

• Use natural elements like pinecones, holly, and magnolia leaves to create a festive and fragrant wreath. • Hang stockings by the chimney with care, but make sure they're made of soft, Southern-style cotton. • Set up a Christmas village featuring tiny Southern-style homes, churches, and even a cotton gin or two.

Sip on Some Southern Holiday Cheer

The South is famous for its hospitality, and what's more hospitable than a warm and welcoming holiday cocktail? From sweet tea-infused vodka to bourbon-spiked eggnog, the South knows how to make the holiday season merry and bright. So why not try whipping up a batch of Southern-style holiday cheer this year?

Southern Holiday Cocktails to Try:

• Sweet Tea Vodka: Infuse your vodka with the sweetness of Southern-style tea for a refreshing holiday cocktail. • Bourbon-Spiked Eggnog: Add a splash of bourbon to your eggnog for a creamy and indulgent holiday treat. • Cranberry Spritzer: Mix cranberry juice with sparkling wine and a splash of Southern-style grenadine for a fruity and festive holiday cocktail.

Make a Southern-Style Gingerbread House

Gingerbread houses are a holiday tradition, but in the South, we like to put our own twist on things. Instead of using traditional gingerbread, why not try making a house out of sweet, crumbly biscotti or even a pecan pie crust? And don't forget to decorate with plenty of Southern-style flair, like magnolia leaves and twinkling lights.

Tips for Making a Southern-Style Gingerbread House:

• Use a Southern-style biscotti or pecan pie crust instead of traditional gingerbread for a unique and delicious twist. • Decorate with natural elements like magnolia leaves, pinecones, and holly for a festive and fragrant look. • Add some Southern-style charm with tiny decorations like cotton bolls, magnolia flowers, and even a tiny bourbon barrel or two.

Attend a Southern-Style Christmas Parade

There's nothing quite like a Southern-style Christmas parade to get you in the holiday spirit. From festively decorated floats to marching bands and of course, Santa Claus himself, a Southern Christmas parade is a fun and festive way to celebrate the season. So why not grab some hot cocoa and head on down to your local parade route to see the sights and sounds of the season?

Tips for Attending a Southern-Style Christmas Parade:

• Bring some hot cocoa to keep you warm and cozy while you watch the parade. • Don't forget to wear your favorite holiday sweater or Santa hat to get into the spirit. • Be sure to arrive early to grab a good spot on the parade route and catch all the festive fun.

Give a Southern-Style Gift

When it comes to gift-giving, the South knows how to show its hospitality. From homemade treats like pecan pie and sweet tea cookies to beautifully crafted gifts like quilts and woodcarvings, a Southern-style gift is a thoughtful and unique way to show your loved ones you care. So why not try making or finding a Southern-style gift this year?

Southern-Style Gift Ideas:

• Homemade treats like pecan pie, sweet tea cookies, or even a batch of famous Southern-style pralines. • Beautifully crafted gifts like quilts, woodcarvings, or even a handmade Christmas ornament or two. • A subscription to a Southern-style magazine or even a Southern-themed book or cookbook.

End the Year with a Southern-Style New Year's Eve Party

The South knows how to throw a party, and New Year's Eve is no exception. From champagne toasts to Southern-style cocktails, a Southern New Year's Eve party is a fun and festive way to ring in the new year. So why not try hosting a Southern-style New Year's Eve party this year?

Tips for Hosting a Southern-Style New Year's Eve Party:

• Serve plenty of Southern-style cocktails, like champagne and bourbon-spiked eggnog. • Offer a variety of Southern-style snacks, like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits. • Don't forget to have a countdown to midnight, complete with a champagne toast and plenty of Southern-style cheer.

We hope these ideas help you celebrate a Southern Christmas that's merry and bright. Whether you're a native Southerner or just a fan of the South's warm hospitality, there's something for everyone in this festive and fun holiday season.