The holiday season is full of lists: children's letters to Santa, the year's best- and worst-dressed celebrities, the top ten holiday destinations that are warmer than yours, your own overly optimistic to-do list.

Naturally, I wanted to add my own to the mix. My first thought, a list of traditional holiday foods from around the world, basically writes its own headline and so makes a great candidate. But how to narrow it down? Call on friends and family.

The resulting list is an unusual collection, a virtual potluck of cultural comfort food. And while you may be familiar with one or more of these dishes, there’s sure to be at least one surprise you'll want to know more about—and even make yourself.

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