The goose is gone bring on the turkey.

• Position: Prefered Christmas foods - Brief article

In the days of yore, families gathered around the Christmas table to feast on home-cooked roast goose, oyster stuffing, plum pudding, and plenty of wassail. Times have changed, though, and so has traditional holiday fare. Turkey (43%) is America's favorite Christmas main dish, according to a national survey conducted by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bentonville, Ark. Ham (27%) places second, while beef (nine percent), pork loin (three percent), fish (two percent), and goose (one percent) rank far from popular.

Meanwhile, 15% say they will be enjoying more than one main course this year. As for those memorable holiday dishes--many may not be from traditional family recipes, but instead prepared by your favorite grocery, bakery, or dell. Half of the respondents serve at least some pre-made dishes, with desserts topping the list.

Other survey highlights include:

Please pass the carbs. Whether you call it dressing or stuffing, it still is the number-one choice for holiday sides--more than one-third of Americans rate it as their top pick. Mashed potatoes are another popular side dish, taking 32% of the vote. Sweet potatoes/yams (18%) ranked next, well ahead of green bean...