Elvis Presley: The Traditional Foods He Ate During Christmas at Graceland
Elvis Presley was a traditionalist when it came to celebrating Christmas at Graceland. He enjoyed all aspects of the holiday season, but there was one element central to the celebration: food. Elvis ensured that not only were his family and friends celebrated with gifts during the holiday, but that they were also well-fed.
What did Elvis Presley eat during Christmas at Graceland?
Per Express, Priscilla Presley revealed the holiday season at Graceland was unlike any other. She explained that while Elvis was over-the-top when it came to gift-giving and decorating, he was a traditionalist when it came to food.
“We had a cook that worked full time for us. She would serve ham and turkey with all the trimmings,” Priscilla explained. “It was very lavish and grand, that’s for sure. There were about 12 people at the table and a few more in the kitchen.”
Elvis was a fan of traditional Southern food. Therefore, there wouldn’t be fancy meals for a family-centered time such as Christmas.
These same types of meals would also be served at Thanksgiving. That tradition was continued by his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley when she brought her own family to celebrate the holidays at Graceland years later.
A recreation of those special meals was served to Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King in 2006 during a visit to Memphis, Tennessee. Lisa Marie joined the women for a meal of southern specialties.
What was Christmas Day like at Graceland?
Elvis Presley’s generosity knew no bounds during Christmas. He found great joy in spoiling those whom he loved and appreciated.
Friends who worked for Elvis normally received cash bonuses. Family members and others close to the King of Rock and Roll could receive cars or jewelry.
Priscilla Presley, Elvis’ only wife, said that Elvis made her first Christmas at Graceland particularly special. She officially moved from Germany to Memphis, Tennessee in 1962.
She told Express that Christmas with Elvis was “beautiful. It was already joyous, such a happy time. He had all his friends there. He was so loyal to all of his friends and they were always included in everything we did. I found that to be very special.”
Christmas also made Elvis reflect on those less fortunate
Growing up poor in rural Mississippi, Elvis Presley never forgot his humble roots. Although he lived extravagantly, he also generously gave back to the community.
Priscilla Presley shared that Elvis wanted to ensure that everyone had a happy holiday season. She repeated his Christmas wish to Express.
Elvis would wonder “What all the poor folks are doing tonight? I wish I could feed all the poor kids and give them presents.”
The official Graceland blog explained that Elvis would extend himself to others often, particularly around the holiday season. His daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, explained that doing charitable works for others kept her father “sane.”
“I only remember him giving to people,” she said. “I remember people going to him saying, ‘I just got a bum deal,’ and bang, there was a check. Never saw him not doing something for somebody, ever. That was probably the one thing that kept him sane, was his ability to give back.”
Elvis Presley’s Graceland home is decorated for the holiday season from Nov. 21 to Jan. 8, 2025.
