The holiday season is here, and we’re all dreaming of the delicious food and treats we’ll enjoy on Christmas. Not everyone will be eating a home-cooked meal for dinner, though. Cooking can be a hassle and when disaster strikes careful plans, it’s time for a backup: takeout. Most restaurants are closed on Christmas, but some will surely be waiting for anyone in need of a hot meal. 

McDonald’s is the main restaurant you can depend on for Christmas takeout. There are several locations in the Tigard-Tualatin area, though not all of them may be open on Christmas. Aside from McDonald’s, Chinese takeout in general tends to be popular for Christmas dinner. Some people even prefer it to a home-cooked meal. 

“Chinese food is the way to go on Christmas,” said Madilynn Johnson, a sophomore here at Tualatin High School (TuHS). “There’s no other takeout food you can get on Christmas that’s good. I got it last year in Colorado, and I’m getting it again this year.”

Local Chinese restaurants open on Christmas include Szechuan Garden, Wu’s Open Kitchen, Yen’s Chinese Restaurant and Hunan Pearl. Panda Express, however, will be closed.

Dustin O’Donnell, TuHS English and IB Film teacher, does something a little different for Christmas takeout. 

“I’ve had KFC on Christmas before. It seems every third year, someone brings a bucket of chicken,” he said. 

Would you recommend it to others? 

“As an additive, yes. As a meal itself, unless you’re getting a full meal, no, and even then, it’s better to have the smells of your own food in your house on Christmas.” 

Takeout is not many people’s favorite choice on Christmas, but in a pinch, there are places you can go. Whether you’re looking for an entire meal or just one dish, there will be something available. No need to worry if the Christmas ham gets burnt this year.