The Christmas pudding itself has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages, evolving from a savory, meat-based "plum pottage" to the sweet, fruit-filled dessert known today. By the Victorian era, it had become the central dessert of the Christmas feast, a position solidified by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's embrace of Christmas traditions. The alcohol (brandy) in the pudding helps preserve it, as puddings were traditionally made on "Stir-up Sunday" (the fifth Sunday before Christmas) an