Unique holiday dishes: The surprising history behind the Christmas ham

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The tradition of eating ham during winter dates back to ancient Germanic and Norse pagan rituals, where wild boars were sacrificed during the Yule festival to honor the Winter Solstice. As Christianity spread, the custom of consuming pork during winter solstice persisted, evolving into the modern honey-glazed or baked ham.
While ham is a staple in many Western countries, Christmas dinner traditions vary: Turkey dominates in the U.K., fish and pasta are central in Italy and Sweden celebrates with a julebord featuring cured meats and fish.
In the U.S., over 318 million pounds of ham are purchased during the Christmas season, highlighting its enduring popularity.
A 3.5-ounce serving of Christmas ham contains 139 calories, 22 grams of protein, five grams of fat and one gram of carbs.

When you think of Christmas dinner, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the centerpiece of the meal: a beautifully glazed, golden-brown baked ham.

This festive dish has been a staple of holiday feasts for centuries, bridging ancient traditions with modern celebrations. But beyond its rich history and cultural significance, Christmas ham also offers a range of nutritional benefits that make it a healthier choice than you might expect.

The tradition of eating ham during the winter months dates back long before Christmas was even celebrated. In fact, the origins of this festive dish can be traced to the ancient Germanic and Norse pagan traditions of Yule, a midwinter festival honoring the Winter Solstice.

During these celebrations, wild boars were sacrificed as offerings to Freyr, the Norse god of fertility and abundant harvests. The meat from these boars was then prepared and shared among celebrants, becoming a central part of the feast.

As Christianity spread across Northern Europe, the religious significance of the wild boar sacrifice faded, but the tradition of enjoying pork during the winter solstice remained.

By the time Pope Julius I designated Dec. 25 as the official date to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth in 350 A.D., the custom of eating ham had already become deeply ingrained in wintertime traditions.

Over time, the wild boar was replaced with domesticated pigs, and the dish evolved into the honey-glazed or baked ham that is known and loved today.

Interestingly, the connection between ham and Christmas isn’t just about tradition — it’s also tied to religious identity. In some parts of Europe, particularly Spain, Christians historically ate pork to distinguish themselves from the region’s large Muslim population, who abstain from consuming pork. (Related: Christmas pudding: A delectable, healthy treat worth serving this holiday season.)

Of course, not every culture celebrates Christmas with ham. In the United Kingdom, turkey reigns supreme as the star of the Christmas dinner table, while in Italy, fish and pasta take center stage. In Sweden, the traditional “julebord” features an array of cured meats, cheeses and fish.

Despite its varying popularity, ham has remained a beloved holiday dish in many Western countries, with Americans alone purchasing over 318 million pounds of ham during the Christmas season.

Nutritional profile of Christmas ham

So, what makes ham such a popular choice for holiday meals? Beyond its rich flavor and festive appearance, ham offers a surprising array of nutrients that contribute to its nutritional value.

A 3.5-ounce serving of cooked ham contains approximately:

139 calories
22 grams of protein
5 grams of fat
1 gram of carbohydrates
1,290 milligrams of sodium (note that this is over half of the recommended daily value)

While the high sodium content is a drawback, ham is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including:

Selenium, a powerful antioxidant that supports thyroid function and immune health.
Thiamin (vitamin B1), which is essential for energy metabolism and brain function.
Niacin (vitamin B3), which helps convert food into energy and supports skin and digestive health.
Phosphorus, which is important for bone health and the formation of DNA.
Vitamins B6 and B12, which are vital for metabolism and maintaining healthy blood and nerve cells.

These nutrients make ham a valuable addition to your holiday meal, especially when paired with other nutrient-dense dishes like vegetables, whole grains and fruits.

Health benefits of Christmas ham

Despite being classified as processed red meat, ham offers several health benefits when consumed in moderation.

High-quality protein

Ham is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass and supporting overall health.

Protein also helps keep you feeling full, which can be especially helpful during the indulgent holiday season.

Essential vitamins and minerals

The vitamins and minerals in ham play a crucial role in maintaining optimal health. For example, selenium protects your cells from damage caused by free radicals, while thiamin supports your body’s ability to convert food into energy.

Niacin and phosphorus contribute to healthy skin, digestion and bone strength.

Energy boost

The combination of protein and B vitamins in ham helps your body produce energy more efficiently, making it a great choice for fueling up during busy holiday gatherings.

Healthy glazed Christmas ham recipe

Traditional Christmas ham is glazed and offers a delicious combination of sweet and salty. However, the amount of butter, brown sugar and honey that goes into the glaze isn’t always good for your gut.

If you’re watching your sugar intake, the recipe below is a great alternative because it is free from dairy, sugar and gluten.

This glaze is a delicious alternative to the usual honey maple glaze.

Ingredients:

1 Medium-sized ham on the bone (fully cooked)
8 Tablespoons unsweetened green apple puree
8 Tablespoons low-sodium tamari
6 Tablespoons of your preferred sugar substitute
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons sugar-free Dijon mustard
4 Star anises
30-40 whole cloves (Optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 160 C (320 F) and place the metal shelf on the lowest rack in the oven. Line a roasting tray with baking paper, then add five centimeters (two inches) of water to the bottom of the pan. Place a wire cake cooling rack over the roasting tray.
Place the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, green apple puree, sugar substitute, tamari and star anise in a pot and bring it to a boil. Let the mixture boil for several minutes, and then remove the pot from the heat. Let the mixture cool for a while as you prepare the ham.
To remove the ham’s skin, run your finger under the skin to separate it from the fat. This should feel like you are removing a sleeve and it should peel back easily.
After removing the skin, carefully and lightly score the fat with a sharp knife into a traditional diamond pattern, squares or triangles.
Secure each diamond or square with a whole clove pushed into the fat for a traditional touch. Use a pastry brush to generously brush on the glaze and place the ham on the wire rack over the roasting tray and place it into the oven.
Bake the ham for 50 to 60 minutes, glazing the ham every 10 minutes as it cooks. For example, if you bake the ham for 50 minutes in total, you will glaze it five times so it will have a beautiful outside glaze.
Remove the ham from the oven and allow the glazed ham to rest for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing thinly and serving.
Wrap any leftover ham in a slightly damp clean tea towel. Store it in the fridge for up to one week.

Christmas ham is more than just a holiday tradition – it’s a dish with a rich history and a surprising nutritional profile. While it’s important to enjoy it in moderation, the nutrients it provides can make it a valuable part of your festive feast. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends or loved ones, Christmas ham is a delicious reminder of the joy and nourishment that food brings to your life.

Visit NaturalNewsRecipes.com for more delectable holiday dishes to try this Christmas.

Watch the video below to learn more about Organic Monk Fruit Extract, a sugar substitute that you can use to make a healthy ham glaze.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.