Why do we eat turkey at Christmas and when did the dinner tradition start?

CHRISTMAS Day is fast approaching and most of us will be gearing up for a festive feast.

Turkey is arguably the most popular choice come Crimbo (unless you’re a vegetarian) – although some people do opt for goose, lamb or ham.

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Why do we eat turkey on Christmas Day?

Apparently, it all comes down to one Yorkshireman.

Nearly 500 years ago, in 1526, William Strickland acquired six turkeys from American Indian traders on while on his travels.

Before turkeys came to British soil, people would consume geese, boars’ head, chicken, cow and even peacocks during the festive period.

However, in the 16^th century, King Henry VIII was the first English king to chow down on turkey for his Christmas dinner – before King Edward VII popularised feasting on turkey.

Turkey also became increasingly common because farmers thought it would be more cost-effective to keep their chickens and cows alive - so that they could keep on producing eggs and milk.

Nowadays, it is estimated that around 10 million turkeys are eaten in the UK every year – with 25 per cent of Brits buying our Christmas birds months in advance to prepare for the big day.

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What other popular meats are eaten on Christmas Day?

Beef

Those who prefer meat to poultry will choose to get a good cut of beef.

There is often controversy over whether you should serve Yorkshire pudding with a Christmas dinner but if you're opting for beef they are a must.

Ham

Ham is a popular choice at Christmas with many choosing to have it alongside their turkey.

It's also a great dish for Boxing Day.

Chicken

A lot of people find turkey dry - although we do have top tips to cooking it.

An alternative is to have a roast chicken with all the trimmings.

Goose

Goose was the preferred bird of choice before turkey became the traditional meal.

Roast goose was enjoyed by the Victorians.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol tells how Bob Cratchit was having goose before Scrooge bought him a turkey.

Pork

Pork is a top choice in many countries including ribs in Norway and chops in Romania.

In the UK it's not usually the meat of choice although pigs in blankets are a must for any Christmas dinner.