In the UK, port is regarded, historically, as a thoroughly "British drink."  Surprisingly, for a country that has embraced drinking port since the 17th century, most Brits buy only one bottle a year--at Christmas  for their traditional drink!  Another of their traditions on Christmas Eve is to leave out mince-meat pie and a glass of sherry for Santa (milk is also left).  A carrot is left somewhere for Rudolph, too!

                    Some port options                                    Feuerzangenbowle (fire-tongs punch) 

In Germany, one great traditional event is to boil a huge tub of mulled wine, placing a huge cone of sugar on the top, then drenching it completely with rum before setting it on fire and letting it drip into the wine.  They then serve it with Stollen cake (a loaf-shaped fruitcake with nuts, raisins, candied citrus peel, and spices, dusted with icing sugar. 

Stollen

The United States with its melting pot of global cultures has a bit of everything as traditions.  We've borrowed the traditional Christmas Gluhwein (from Germany), Christmas turkey, and Santa Claus.  Speaking of Santa Claus, don't forget to put out a plate of cookies and glass of milk for the "Big Guy"!

Have a great Christmas!

Marie Griffin, Wine Supervisor, North/West Florida