Greatest Gift On Christmas Day, We Pay Tribute To The True Wonder Of Food

Christmas, of course, is a time of gifts, from the presents we put under the tree to the charitable contributions we make to help the less fortunate.

But while we typically take it for granted, food is perhaps the greatest gift of all, one which sustains both our cellular chemistry and our spirit.

It’s a gift from the creative force in our universe, whatever one wishes to call it, which has provided such a vast variety of foods for our nourishment and enjoyment.

It’s a gift from the farmers, particularly those few family farmers remaining, who battle climatic and economic uncertainty to bring their bounty to market.

It’s a gift, of sacrificial sorts, from the animals we eat, if we choose to do so. The fact that they have no choice makes them even more deserving of our thanks.

It’s a gift from the skilled chefs, not to mention the servers and support staff, who labor long hours - sometimes even on holidays, like this one - to make our restaurant meals memorable.

Above all, it’s a gift from the partners and parents who plan and prepare (or, at least, procure) the daily menus, however simple, designed to keep those they love healthy and happy.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” when Ebenezer Scrooge emerges renewed from his long night’s journey into Christmas Day, the first thing he thinks of is food:

“Do you know the poulterer’s, in the next street but one, at the corner?” Scrooge inquired.

“I should hope I did,” replied the lad.

“An intelligent boy!” said Scrooge. “A remarkable boy! Do you know whether they’ve sold the prize turkey that was hanging up there - not the little prize turkey, the big one? … Go and buy it, and tell ‘em to bring it here, that I may give them the directions where to take it …

“I’ll send it to Bob Crachit’s,” whispered Scrooge, rubbing his hands, and splitting with a laugh. “He sha’nt know who sends it. It’s twice the size of Tiny Tim!”

On this, the most blessed of days, whatever is on your table, whatever upon your plate, may the spirit of that generosity fill your heart, your soul, and, yes, your stomach.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Staff illustration by Molly Quinn