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Is KFC a Christmas food tradition for some people?

By Cristine Struble

TOKYO, JAPAN - DECEMBER 23: A KFC Christmas meal box is pictured on December 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. KFC at Christmas has become something of a tradition in Japan with some attributing its yuletide popularity to a kindergarten delivery being made in a Santa Claus outfit which was such a success it was requested by a number of other schools and subsequently gave the company the idea of associating its product to Christmas. The chain launched its first Christmas campaign in December 1974, and has continued to do so every year at all its outlets nationwide. In 2018, KFC Japan posted all-time high sales of roughly 68 million USD for the five days from December 21 to 25. Roughly 10 percent of its annual turnover for the entire year. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN - DECEMBER 23: A KFC Christmas meal box is pictured on December 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. KFC at Christmas has become something of a tradition in Japan with some attributing its yuletide popularity to a kindergarten delivery being made in a Santa Claus outfit which was such a success it was requested by a number of other schools and subsequently gave the company the idea of associating its product to Christmas. The chain launched its first Christmas campaign in December 1974, and has continued to do so every year at all its outlets nationwide. In 2018, KFC Japan posted all-time high sales of roughly 68 million USD for the five days from December 21 to 25. Roughly 10 percent of its annual turnover for the entire year. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images) /
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While many people will be looking for a restaurant that is open on Christmas Day, the reality is that for one location KFC is the Christmas food. Who can’t get enough of those 11 secret herbs and spices?

Unfortunately, KFC is closed in the U.S. on Christmas Day. For anyone who can’t get enough of that fried chicken, biscuits and sides, it is best to order an extra meal on Christmas Eve and hope that there are leftovers for the next day.

This quick service restaurant joins other brands that are closed for the holiday. From grocery stores to quick service restaurants, many people will be enjoying the day off. While higher end steak restaurants and some coffee spots will be open, many places will be closed.

How did KFC become a Christmas food tradition?

Holidays and food go hand in hand. From recipes that have been passed down by grandma to culture woven into certain food traditions, they are forever tied together.

In Japan, chicken and Christmas are that holiday food tradition. Although the exact origins of why KFC and Christmas have become so popular is unclear, many Japanese guests order a bucket for their celebrations. Even the Colonel gets dressed up as Santa for the occasion.

Even though the tradition is chicken and Christmas in Japan, it shows that restaurants can benefit from those food traditions. With New Year’s Eve around the corner, it could be interesting to see if there are some lucky foods that restaurants could offer to set the year off on the right foot.

How did KFC celebrate the holiday season in the U.S.?

While those holiday buckets are always a great addition to the table, the Finger Lickin’ Chicken Mitten Bucket Hugger was a huge hit with everyone. Instead of that ugly sweater to wear to the table, the bucket got dressed up for the occasion.

This cozy accessory for the bucket had special pockets to keep your hands warm. Plus, it was an easy way to carry that bucket. No one wants to have spilled food on the way to the table.

That little touch of holiday fun proves that brands are always looking for ways to make an impression, especially at the holidays. It is more than just another discount or enticement. Sometimes that touch of whimsy is just what people are craving.

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