Christmas dinner always seems to be a mad crazy rush. Sure the family gets together and great time but it can always be better. Why not host a Christmas theme dinner this year.

Are you asking yourself what is a theme dinner? It’s a dinner based around a specific theme. Of course in this instance the theme should be based around Christmas. Here are a few ideas for a Christmas theme dinner:

• Family history of holiday meals

Think back in your own family history. Maybe your family is of European, Asian or African descent. Fill the table this year with foods that reflect what would have been eaten by your family members hundreds of years ago. Research the traditional dress of the time so that everyone can look the part.

• Spiritual themes

Christmas is not just about spending time together but the spiritual significance. Everyone could dress as the people did in biblical times and enjoy foods prepared as they would have been enjoyed in the New Testament around the time that Jesus was born.

• Holiday recipes

Holiday recipes come from all sorts of cookbooks. You may decide on a down home Christmas meal or eat dinner as the Pilgrims may have enjoyed it with pheasant instead of turkey as the main dish. Try a recipe book based on holiday songs or poems. You’ll find a lot of references to meal ideas with those.

• Regional foods

Regional themes can reflect the variety of traditions in different corners of your own country. How about a traditional New England feast or a Southwest meal? Go down south to Texas and you will find some other favorites you may not have thought to add to your Christmas meal before.

• Holiday movies

Let’s start with holiday movies. Take your favorite movie and use that as a starting point. Use the time period and any mention of food in the movie to set up your menu and what the attire will be for the evening.

These are just a few ideas for a Christmas theme dinner. Be sure to plan early so that everyone can have enough time to add their special touch. It might be a tradition that will carry on for years and years to come.