Daily Holidays - December 24

National Egg Nog Day Today is National Eggnog Day! Eggnog is one of the most popular beverages served during the holidays, so it is very appropriate that this occasion is celebrated on Christmas Eve!

The traditional recipe for eggnog is milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs, spices, and sometimes alcohol. The type of alcohol depends on the country where it is made. In Europe, eggnog is traditionally made with white wine. Americans drink it with bourbon or rum while Peruvians use pomace brandy and Germans use beer.

There are a few theories about how eggnog actually got its name. One story claims that eggnog was first called "egg n' grog," which was eventually shortened to "eggnog." According to other sources, the name comes from the Old English word for strong ale, "nog." This theory suggests that the combination of the words "egg" and "nog" refers to any drink that contains both eggs and strong alcohol.

Regardless of how eggnog got its name, it has been a favorite holiday beverage for centuries! Make some today to toast the holidays and celebrate National Eggnog Day!
http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-egg-nog-day
(in case anyone hasn't figured it out... I eggnog) and here is a recipe for eggnog pie.

http://www.midwestliving.com/food/desserts/pie-recipes/?page=4

The Feast Of The Seven
 Fishes W hat is the Feast of the Seven Fishes? According to Mario Batali, "It's what Italians do when they say they're fasting." More precisely, the Feast is a meal served in Italian households on La Vigilia (Christmas Eve). In many parts of Italy, the night is traditionally a partial fast, during which no meat should be served. But in true Italian style, this proscription has morphed into something very unfastlike indeed: course after course of luxurious seafood dishes, often as many as 7, 10, or even 13. "No one's quite sure of the significance of the number," says Batali. "Some families do seven for the sacraments. Some do ten for the stations of the cross. And some even do 13 for the 12 apostles plus Jesus."

Regardless of the religious symbolism, for most people the main point of the meal is to gather family and friends and enjoy delicious food. In Batali's Italian-American family, his grandmother used to host the feast, with everyone pitching in. "She would let us kids help her make fresh pasta," Batali recalls. "Then she'd lay it out on towels on our beds to dry for the day." After dinner, they'd open half their presents, saving the rest for Christmas Day. http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/christmas/batalisevenfishes

Christmas Eve 17 Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas
Looking for ideas for new Christmas Eve dinner traditions? Browse our collection of Christmas Eve recipe favorites, including recipes for seafood, lasagna, soup and more.

Read more: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/holiday---celebration-recipes/christmas-recipes/christmas-eve-dinner-ideas#ixzz3MnaBxjDJ

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/december24.html