* Wild Turkey Abundance: Wild turkeys were plentiful in the Americas, making them a readily available and affordable source of protein.
* Early American Colonists: Early European colonists in America adopted the tradition of eating turkey for Thanksgiving feasts, which eventually spilled over into the Christmas season.
* "The American Christmas": As the United States established its own identity, the turkey became increasingly associated with Christmas, a symbol of the country's abundance and prosperity.
* Marketing and Media: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, food companies and popular media (like magazines and advertisements) began promoting the idea of the "perfect Christmas dinner," featuring a large, roasted turkey as the centerpiece.
So, the tradition of eating turkey for Christmas evolved over time, with no single person or event being solely responsible for its origin. It's a culmination of various factors that shaped the holiday celebration in America.