You don't have to be pescatarian to go wild for this Icelandic 'Fishmas' tradition

Want to try going pescatarian? With Christmas 2020 going to be like no other, why not mix up your plans for Christmas dinner - going out with the old turkey traditions and in with the new 'Fishmas'.

You don't have to be pescatarian to appreciate the taste of a fish dish, and now celebrities have joined in the newly invented Icelandic tradition of ‘Fishmas’.

The twice weekly culinary celebration heralds the Nordic country’s glorious bounty, and with many different kinds of Icelandic fish available at Waitrose - stocking up on Christmas food couldn't be easier.

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Among the first to spread some Fishmas cheer is former Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh, TV presenter Jenny Powell, Leyla Kazim and Tommy Brady, who have cooked up a Fishmas feast using delicious and sustainably sourced Icelandic seafood.

And you too can create recipes including Cod Ceviche, Fish & Chips and Fish Tacos found on Seafood from Iceland's new Fishmas website - designed to promote the versatility of the nation's seafood while delivering a slice of tongue-in-cheek humour.

The new website features 10 delicious family recipes along with a festive suggested playlist full of 'Fishmas' carols including Cod Rest Ye Merry Fishermen, Deck the Halls with Boughs of Haddock and Hark! The Haddock Anglers Sing. (And once you've read this you'll never sing them the old way again!) 

And the festive spirit doesn't stop there - Father Fishmas is keen to share his gifts with the world. He said, "I’m delighted to bring our Fishmas traditions to the UK. Generation after generation, Icelandic fishermen have battled Arctic weather and formidable waves for the perfect catch. We don’t take that lightly. 

READ MORE: Fish recipes

Other Fishmas recipes include:

• Haddock En Papillote
• Oven Baked Cod
• Haddock Fingers
• Breaded Cod Rolls
• Fish Croquettes
• Fried Fish and Mushroom Risotto
• Haddock Paupiette

He continued, "We treat our waters with respect as we know that a sustainable relationship with our marine resources is the key to our very existence. But more importantly, our fish tastes so yummy, it is too good not to share with our neighbours to the south – it’s all part of the Fishmas spirit.

And added, "In Iceland we follow the ethos that the best way to spread Fishmas cheer is cooking a delicious fish supper for all to share. I’m really looking forward to coming to town.”

For more information about how to celebrate Fishmas at home with Iceland’s outstanding fresh produce visit Fishmas. To purchase the Icelandic cod and other ingredients from the Fishmas recipes, visit Waitrose where you'll be able to find what you want and much more.