Two briskets being cooking in a smoker at truth bbq

Holiday Ordering Guide: Thanksgiving and Christmas BBQ from Truth

The holidays usually come with plenty of cooking, but if you’d rather spend less time tending the oven and more time around the table, Truth BBQ can handle the centerpiece. From smoked turkey breast to brisket and other pit-smoked favorites, our meats are built for holiday meals, whether you’re feeding family at home or sending barbecue to someone a few states away.


For Thanksgiving and Christmas, the biggest thing is planning ahead. Holiday availability is limited, shipping takes time and cutoff dates matter. Below, we’ll walk through what to order, how much you may need and when to place your order so everything arrives when it should.


Bring Truth BBQ to Your Holiday Table


Holiday meals don’t have to follow the same script every year. Turkey still has its place, but brisket, sausage and other smoked meats can make the table feel a little more Texas without making it complicated.


Our smoked turkey breast is one of the easiest places to start. Each breast is wet brined before going onto our wood-burning offset smokers, which keeps the meat juicy while adding a light smoke flavor. It works as a traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece, but it’s just as good alongside brisket or another protein if you’re feeding a larger group.


Brisket is the obvious choice if your holiday crowd would rather have barbecue than a traditional roast. For bigger gatherings, serving two meats gives everyone options and makes it easier to account for different appetites.


If you’re ordering for a group, think about the meal as a whole rather than just the main protein. A rough plan might look like:

  • Smoked turkey breast: A familiar holiday centerpiece with a little smoke.
  • Brisket: A richer option for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any holiday gathering.
  • Multiple proteins: A good move for larger groups or guests who want some variety.
  • Sides: Round out the tray with the same scratch-made sides you’d order at Truth.


Availability can vary during the holidays, so check the current menu before you build your order.

 

Thanksgiving BBQ: What to Order and When

 

Thanksgiving is probably the most natural time to put smoked turkey at the center of the table.


Our smoked turkey breasts average about four pounds and generally feed four to six people, depending on serving size and what else is being served. If you’re hosting a larger group, adding brisket gives you more flexibility and keeps you from having to rely on a single protein for the whole meal.


The easiest approach is to order early and work backward from Thanksgiving Day. This year, Thanksgiving falls on November 26, 2026, and holiday shipping windows can tighten quickly as the date gets closer.


Stay tuned for our exact Thanksgiving order and shipping deadlines on our website and social media accounts. Until then, the safest rule is simple: don’t wait until Thanksgiving week to place a shipped order.


If you’re ordering locally, pickup may give you a little more flexibility, but availability can still sell through. For shipped orders, leave enough time for transit, storage and reheating before the meal.


And if you’re sending barbecue rather than serving it yourself, place gift orders even earlier. That gives the recipient time to receive the package, store it properly and plan when they want to serve it.

 

Christmas BBQ and Holiday Gifts

 

Christmas dinner doesn’t need to mean another full day in the kitchen. Brisket, smoked turkey, pork ribs and sausages work just as well for a holiday spread, especially if you’re feeding a group and want something that feels substantial without adding a long prep list.


They also make an easy gift for someone who would rather get dinner than another bottle of wine.


If you’re shipping Truth BBQ as a holiday gift, stick to products that are currently available for nationwide shipping and check the delivery window before you order. Smoked meats are usually the most straightforward option because they can be stored, reheated and served when the recipient is ready.


Note: One important exception is California. Due to current shipping restrictions, Truth BBQ does not ship pickled items, bottled items or protein items to California. That means products like pickles, sauces and shipped meats should not be selected as gifts for California addresses.


For everyone else, ordering early is still the best move. Christmas shipping volume builds quickly in December, and popular items can become limited as the holiday gets closer.

 

How to Order Truth BBQ for the Holidays

 

There are two main ways to get Truth BBQ on the table during the holidays: local ordering and shipped orders.

 

Ordering for Local Pickup

 

If you’re in the Houston or Brenham area, local ordering is the simplest option for serving Truth at home.


Holiday menus, pickup windows and available items may vary by location, so check the current online ordering page before placing your order. During busy holiday periods, certain meats or packages may have earlier cutoff dates than regular orders.


Once the 2026 holiday schedule is confirmed, we’ll update this guide with the exact Thanksgiving and Christmas pickup deadlines.


 

Ordering BBQ for Shipping

 

For customers outside the area, select Truth BBQ products can be shipped directly to your home or sent as a gift.


Shipped meats arrive packaged for safe transport and include storage, reheating and preparation instructions. Once your order arrives, follow those instructions closely and keep the product refrigerated or frozen as directed until you’re ready to serve it.


Again, California has additional restrictions: Truth BBQ does not ship pickled, bottled or protein items to California.

 

2026 Holiday Ordering Deadlines

 

The exact cutoff dates will be added once confirmed.


Because shipping schedules can change during peak holiday periods, it’s always better to order earlier than the final cutoff whenever possible.

 

Preparing and Serving Your Holiday BBQ

 

One of the biggest advantages of ordering barbecue for the holidays is that most of the hard work is already done.


Once your order arrives, store everything according to the instructions included with the shipment. If the meat is frozen, make sure you leave enough time for it to thaw safely before reheating.


For the smoothest holiday meal, plan backward from when you want to eat. Check the reheating instructions the day before, make sure you have enough oven or warming space and give yourself extra time rather than trying to rush everything right before guests sit down.


It also helps to think about portions ahead of time. A smoked turkey breast that feeds four to six people may be plenty for a smaller Thanksgiving table, while larger gatherings may call for a second turkey, brisket or another protein.


If you’re serving multiple meats, smaller portions of each usually work well. Most people will want to try more than one thing.

 

Order Early and Spend More Time Around the Table

 

The holidays are busy enough without making dinner harder than it needs to be.


Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner or sending barbecue as a gift, ordering early gives you the best selection and the most breathing room. Check the current holiday menu, confirm shipping or pickup deadlines and make sure your order is placed well before the date you need it.


Then all that’s left is reheating, slicing and getting everybody to the table.


Browse available Truth BBQ products online and place your holiday order early while holiday inventory and shipping windows are still open.



Frequently Asked Questions


Can I order Truth BBQ for Thanksgiving or Christmas?

Yes. Truth BBQ offers select items for local ordering and shipping that can work well for Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holiday gatherings. Holiday availability can vary, so it’s best to check the current menu and order well ahead of your celebration.


What should I order from Truth BBQ for Thanksgiving?

Smoked turkey breast is a natural choice for Thanksgiving, especially if you want a traditional centerpiece with more smoke flavor. Brisket and other smoked meats can also be added for larger groups or anyone who wants more variety.


How many people does a Truth BBQ smoked turkey breast feed?

Truth BBQ smoked turkey breasts average about four pounds and generally feed four to six people, depending on appetite, serving size and what else is being served.


Does Truth BBQ ship holiday BBQ?

Yes. Select Truth BBQ products are available for shipping, making them an option for holiday meals or gifts. Shipping availability, delivery windows and cutoff dates can vary during the holiday season.


Can I ship Truth BBQ to California?

Truth BBQ does not currently ship pickled items, bottled items or protein items to California. Customers sending gifts to California should check the current shipping options before placing an order.


When should I order Truth BBQ for Thanksgiving or Christmas?

Order as early as possible once holiday ordering opens. Thanksgiving and Christmas shipping windows can fill quickly, and certain items may sell out before the final cutoff date.


How should I store and reheat shipped Truth BBQ?

Follow the storage, thawing and reheating instructions included with your shipment. Depending on the product, you may need to refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve.

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