The holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate traditions from around the world while keeping your smile bright and your braces safe. Orthodontic Specialists in St. George, Utah, are excited to share braces-friendly treats inspired by international celebrations. These delicious ideas will keep you in the holiday spirit and your orthodontic care on track.
France: Sweet Simplicity with Buche de Noel
The French holiday table often features the iconic Buche de Noel, or Yule Log cake. This tradition dates back to the 19th century, inspired by the ancient custom of burning a yule log to bring warmth and prosperity to the home during winter solstice celebrations. The Yule Log is a sponge cake rolled with creamy fillings like chocolate or vanilla. This dessert mimics the appearance of a festive log. Its light texture makes it braces-friendly and easy to enjoy. Why not create a Yule Log as a family project this holiday season?
Japan: Strawberry Shortcake on Christmas Eve
In Japan, Christmas is not traditionally a religious holiday. The people embrace it as a festive occasion with unique traditions. One of these is enjoying strawberry shortcakes on Christmas Eve. This custom began in the 1920s when a Japanese confectionery company, Fujiya, promoted the cake as a symbol of Western-style Christmas. The soft sponge cake layered with whipped cream (not heavily sweetened like the American version) and fresh strawberries became an instant hit and remains a staple of Japanese Christmas celebrations today. Whether you make the Japanese version or stick to the American one, this braces-safe dessert will surely be a hit.
Sweden: Lussekatter for St. Lucia Day
On December 13th, Sweden celebrates St. Lucia Day, a festival of light honoring St. Lucia, one of the earliest Christian martyrs. The holiday marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Sweden and features Lussekatter, saffron-infused buns shaped like an “S” and dotted with raisins. These golden buns symbolize light and hope during the darkest time of the year. Their soft, mildly sweet texture is perfect for braces wearers. Baking them at home is a terrific way to experience this unique Swedish custom while keeping your smile in shape.
Philippines: Bibingka
In the Philippines, the holiday season includes Bibingka, a soft, sweet rice cake traditionally enjoyed after Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of dawn masses leading up to Christmas. Street vendors often sell Bibingka near churches wrapped in banana leaves, giving it a signature aroma. Its origins trace back to Filipino colonial history, blending native rice-based recipes with Spanish influence. The soft texture of Bibingka makes it braces-friendly and a delightful way to celebrate the season. Modern recipes make it simple to recreate this beloved treat at home using everyday kitchen tools. You can also look for it in Asian grocery stores or Filipino restaurants.
United States: Decorating Holiday Sugar Cookies
In the U.S., sugar cookies are a holiday classic, symbolizing creativity, and togetherness. The tradition of baking cookies for the holidays began with early European settlers, who brought their festive recipes and adapted them to available ingredients. Decorate your sugar cookies with braces-safe icing, and sprinkles for a fun family activity. Pair these cookies with hot cocoa, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows. Are you planning on hosting or attending a cookie swap? Bring options like soft snickerdoodles or pudding cups to spread holiday cheer while protecting your smile.
Braces Tips for a Bright Holiday Season
- Travel Smart: Pack a braces care kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss threaders, and orthodontic wax for your holiday outings.
- Eat Wisely: Stick to soft, braces-friendly foods and avoid hard or sticky treats.
- Stay Consistent: Maintain your oral hygiene routine to keep your smile bright and healthy.
Celebrate the season by exploring one of these braces-friendly treats: a slice of Bibingka, a homemade sugar cookie, or a festive Buche de Noel. If you are interested in more international Christmas dishes, visit National Geographic’s 15 Christmas Dishes from Around the World.
At Orthodontic Specialists in St. George, Utah, we ensure your orthodontic care remains on track during the holidays. Contact us today for more tips or to schedule your next visit. Let us make this holiday season as joyful for your smile as it is for you!
Happy Holidays from the Team at Orthodontic Specialists!
