Southern Holiday Traditions: Christmas Charleston Style

Christmas in Charleston has its own special ways and traditions, some that date back to the early 1700s! If you’ve lived here long enough you know what the holiday favorites are, and what Charlestonians simply can’t live without. Let Handsome Properties walk you through these Southern must-haves:

Poinsettias

These beautiful red flowers native to Mexico can be seen anywhere and everywhere in Charleston around the Holidays. Originally brought over by Charlestonian Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico (and amateur botanist) in the early 1800’s, these flowers now hold December 12th as National Poinsettia Day.

Carolina Gold Rice

Charleston is known for its beautiful and affluent plantations. Many of these plantations produced one of the most important crops of the time, rice. Carolina Gold Rice often appeared at every meal and is very common today. This is a low-country favorite, especially in pirloo, a famous Southern special occasion dish.

Benne Wafers

This is a very popular Charlestonian gift one would bring to a host or hostess over a dinner party. These delicious, sweet, crunchy, old-timey snacks are said to bring good fortune.

She-crab Soup

An evolution of a Scottish dish, she-crab soup has been said to be Charleston’s signature dish since the 1700s. This soup consists of delicious lump crab meat with a creamy soup, where a small amount of sherry is added upon serving. She-crab soup is common here year round, but is especially traditional to Christmas Day.

Historic St. Cecilia Punch

This centuries-old libation (1700s) is a must for formal balls and dinner parties that are synonymous with Charleston around the holidays. Vintage cocktails are all the rage, and Charleston’s traditional nature likes to bring back these special punches. The holiday season is a time to celebrate! Why not add a little southern flair to your next dinner party? Enjoy!