The Christmas tree is embellished with festive lights and homemade ornaments, and the personalized stockings hang over the comforting brick fireplace. As the children carefully set out Santa’s traditional glass of milk and tray of gingerbread cookies, the parents toast to good health with a mug of rich, frothy eggnog.

While other seasonal foods, such as turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, are often eaten year-round, eggnog is generally consumed only during the wintertime. Why is it only associated with the holiday season? What are the safety and nutritional concerns regarding this beloved winter treat? Can it only be served laden with alcohol? Jeanette Andrade, registered dietitian and graduate assistant at McKinley Health Center, cleared up all puzzling myths regarding this special holiday beverage.

*Eggnog is unhealthy for you: TRUE and FALSE*

Eggnog has many nutritional benefits, Andrade said. One cup of eggnog has 11.6 grams of protein. Eggnog also contains essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc. Eggnog has many vitamins as well, such as riboflavin, B-12, pantothenic acid, choline, vitamin A and vitamin D.

While eggnog has many benefits, it also has health pitfalls. One cup of eggnog contains 224 calories, nearly half of which are from fat. Eggnog also contains 10.6 grams of fat, 6.6 grams of which are saturated fat.

Another unhealthy aspect of eggnog is its 150 milligrams of cholesterol, or half of the recommended daily intake of cholesterol. Eggnog contains 21.4 grams of carbohydrates, all 21.4 grams of which are sugar.

Andrade said to drink eggnog in a moderate amount. If it is alcoholic eggnog, Andrade recommended consuming no more than one cup.

To make homemade eggnog lighter, Andrade suggested using half the yolks, fat free milk and a sugar replacement, such as Splenda. One should also reduce the amount of alcohol or use none at all.

Some brands offer organic and sustainably produced eggnog, such as Ronnybrook Dairy Farm and Strafford Organic Creamery.

*Eggnog can only be served with alcohol: FALSE*

Although traditionally served as an alcoholic beverage, eggnog can be enjoyed without alcohol. There are a variety of brands that sell alcohol-free eggnog, such as Dean’s and Silk and Prairie Farms, Andrade said.

Many alcohol-free recipes include ingredients such as vanilla ice cream or vanilla pudding. One can add various creams and flavors to their eggnog to create different tastes and textures. Toppings could also be included, such as nutmeg, cinnamon and other seasonal spices. Another popular eggnog mixture includes coffee, or eggnog with ice cream to make a milkshake.

*Eggnog can be unsafe because of the risk of Salmonella: TRUE*

When purchasing or preparing eggnog, one should be aware of Salmonella, which can cause foodborne illness. Salmonella can be present when using raw or partially cooked eggs.

To avoid Salmonella when making homemade eggnog, Andrade advised to use pasteurized eggs.

While using pasteurized eggs reduces the risk of Salmonella, it is best to cook the eggs as well, Andrade said. To make homemade eggnog safe, eggs should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Eggnog should not be left out at room temperature for longer than four hours, or else the eggnog could grow bacteria. The old argument “the booze will kill the germs,” meaning that alcohol will kill any bacteria in eggnog, is not a likely occurrence However, one should still double check the eggnog’s packaging to make sure it has been pasteurized before purchasing it from the grocery store.

*Eggnog is only for the Holidays: TRUE and FALSE*

Eggnog is generally produced and sold commercially only during the holiday season. It is not entirely clear why eggnog is only associated with the holidays, but eggnog’s history raises many plausible theories.

Eggnog is believed to be a descendant of posset, a hot British drink made of eggs, milk and ale or wine, popular during medieval times.

Posset was given to those suffering from insomnia or the common cold, serving as a winter tonic.

While eggnog does not act as a remedy to minor illnesses, it stuck with its ancestry by continuing to be a traditional winter beverage.

In Colonial America, eggnog transitioned into a social beverage consumed throughout the winter season, made in large quantities for holiday parties.

Similar to its medicinal roots, eggnog was also used to toast loved ones’ good health on Christmas Day.

While eggnog is associated with the holidays, Andrade said people could enjoy eggnog at any time of the year in moderation.

She believes that eggnog is only served during the holiday season because of its tradition, but another reason could be that people want to limit their eggnog intake due to its high amount of calories.

While eggnog’s origins are not completely known, it is clear that eggnog has become a favorite holiday treat in American households.

Whether the eggnog is non-alcoholic, organic or homemade, one can always celebrate the holidays with this traditional staple.

_Alison is a freshman in Media._