spending time with loved ones, sharing good food

I agree it is really about the company first and foremost. As a Jew, I've got no clue about traditional Christmas food. I know for Hanukkah, it is tradition that we eat foods fried with oil to commemerate the miracle of the sacred oil lasting for 8 days. But that could be savory potato pancakes, sweet jelly donuts, and many other options, so at least there is some variety among the fried foods.

Now that I think of it, all of my partners' families had their own traditions for cooking the Christmas meal. I think it is less of a production than the Thanksgiving meal here in the US, but that's also because I spent the first 35 years of life never having attended any Christmas meals. It is always fun to roll up the sleeves and get to work with the host family. I like learning about the holiday traditions while helping out, you are right that it is more fun when done together!