What foods do they eat on holidays in the southeast?

The "Southeast" is a broad region, so the food traditions vary quite a bit depending on the specific state and even the local area. However, some common holiday foods enjoyed throughout the region include:

Thanksgiving:

* Turkey: A staple, often roasted with herbs and spices like sage, thyme, and rosemary.

* Stuffing: A mixture of bread, herbs, vegetables, and sometimes sausage, often cooked inside the turkey or separately.

* Gravy: Made from the turkey drippings, often thickened with flour or cornstarch.

* Mashed potatoes: A creamy, comforting side dish.

* Sweet potato casserole: A sweet and savory side dish with marshmallows on top.

* Green bean casserole: A classic side dish with creamy mushroom soup and crispy fried onions.

* Cornbread: A slightly sweet, crumbly bread often served with butter or honey.

* Cranberry sauce: A tart, sweet condiment that balances the savory flavors of the meal.

* Pecan pie: A rich, nutty dessert with a flaky crust.

Christmas:

* Ham: A traditional centerpiece, often glazed with brown sugar and spices.

* Seafood: Especially popular in coastal areas, with dishes like shrimp and grits, oyster stew, and crab cakes.

* Sweet potato casserole: A favorite throughout the year, this is even more popular around the holidays.

* Fruitcake: A dense, rich cake with fruits and nuts, often enjoyed as a holiday tradition.

* Eggnog: A creamy, spiced drink made with eggs, milk, and cream.

* Gingerbread cookies: A classic holiday treat, often decorated with icing and sprinkles.

* Pecan pralines: A sweet treat made with pecans, sugar, and cream.

New Year's Eve:

* Black-eyed peas: A traditional dish believed to bring good luck in the new year.

* Collard greens: Another lucky food, often served with ham hocks.

* Cornbread: A symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

* Hoppin' John: A dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and bacon, thought to represent wealth.

* Champagne: A celebratory drink to toast the new year.

Other holidays:

* Easter: Traditional dishes include ham, lamb, deviled eggs, and sweet potato casserole.

* Fourth of July: Barbecue is a popular choice, with grilled meats, corn on the cob, potato salad, and watermelon.

It's important to remember that this is just a small sampling of the diverse culinary traditions of the Southeast. Each region, family, and individual has their own unique ways of celebrating holidays with food.