This Post is Dedicated to Alphonse and Helen Gentile
What Exactly is The Feast of the Seven Fishes
If you’re looking for a festive and yet solemn tradition to help remember the reason we celebrate Christmas, one great option is to celebrate Christmas Eve dinner with a Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Though this holiday tradition has been most popularly observed in Italian-American households, anyone who wants a sense of both the reverence and the joy of the holiday can host or participate.
The basic structure of the Feast of the Seven Fishes is pretty straightforward: Observant Christians gather together and celebrate the final night before Christmas Day with a meal that contains — you guessed it, seven different kinds of fish!
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is like a special Christmas Eve dinner where families eat lots of yummy seafood dishes instead of meat. It started a long time ago with Italian families as a way to celebrate together and get ready for Christmas. The number seven is important because it’s a special number for many people—it can mean things like being lucky or having something complete, like a week has seven days. The dinner is all about spending time with the people you love, sharing delicious food, and making happy memories.
What Do The Seven Fishes Represent?
The number holds a lot of meaning outside Christianity too: We have seven days of the week, and there are seven wonders of the world, both ancient and modern. In Christianity, there are seven sacraments in the Catholic church, seven virtues and seven deadly sins.
The number seven is really special in lots of Bible stories and traditions. For example, there’s a story about Jesus and seven loaves of bread and seven fish that were shared with a big crowd of people, showing how sharing and kindness can bring everyone together. In the Feast of Seven Fishes, the number seven can remind us of these ideas—sharing, caring, and making sure everyone has something to enjoy. It’s a way to celebrate together and remember how important it is to be generous and thoughtful.
Fondest of Memories
My son, Jason, and I were reminiscing about the past, especially the cherished memories of the Feast of Seven Fishes. Jason shared how he remembered the giant pasta bowl his Grandpa would bring out every year and the excitement of getting fresh lobsters. “I ate until I thought I would pop,” he said with a laugh. That sums up his experience perfectly.
For me, the memories are just as vivid. My first Christmas Eve with my second family—a warm and loving Italian-Polish household—was unforgettable. I had never even seen a lobster before, let alone eaten one. All I could say was, “I’m not eating that, and I’m definitely not touching it!” But they encouraged me to join in, sharing their traditions and love for food with gentle enthusiasm. Over time, I came to appreciate and crave lobster, especially during the holiday season. To this day, every time I enjoy lobster, I think of my second family with so much love.
Jason’s grandmother made the most amazing lobster sauce I’ve ever tasted—nothing has ever compared. Oh, how I miss them, their warmth, and the traditions they so lovingly passed on to me.
Do you and your family have any Christmas traditions carried on from past generations? I’d love to hear about them. Sharing these stories is such a beautiful way to keep the spirit of the season alive.
Let’s Set The Mood
10+ Around the Table (laughing, sharing and one big happy family)
The best linens came out and a beautiful fresh Christmas centerpiece and candlelight.
Best China and Stemware (only used on special occasions) does that sound familiar?
Christmas Music Playing in the Background..🎶🎶
Our Dinner Menu
Conclusion
Traditions like the Feast of the Seven Fishes are more than just a meal—they’re a way to keep the love and memories of family alive, passing down stories and customs from one generation to the next. For me, it’s a reminder of the joy, laughter, and love shared around the table with my second family. Whether your holiday traditions include a feast, a special dish, or simply spending time with loved ones, they have a way of making the season truly magical. I hope this story inspires you to celebrate the traditions that mean the most to you. And if you don’t have one yet, there’s no better time to start your own. Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, delicious food, and cherished memories.
Before You Go
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Buono Natale
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