This year our Christmas looks different than usual. We typically celebrate with a big two-day feast and a full house, but this season we’ll keep things smaller and low-maintenance. My plan is to prepare as much as possible ahead of time so we can enjoy the holiday instead of spending it in the kitchen or cleaning up piles of dishes. Below is the menu and timeline I’m following — hopefully it gives you some simple, make-ahead inspiration.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve will be a relaxed but special dinner rather than the large spread we normally make. I’m grilling filets using an espresso-rubred method for extra depth of flavor. I’ll serve a horseradish-style sauce alongside and sautéed mushrooms for a savory accompaniment. These items are quick on the grill and easy to finish while other components warm.
Twice-baked potatoes are a must — my mom’s version is rich and comforting and can be prepared ahead and finished in the oven that night. I’ll also toss together a simple Caesar salad and possibly a small cheese board to nibble on before the main course. Parmesan roasted broccoli is another easy side that can be roasted quickly and adds a bright, salty contrast to the meal.
With most elements prepped early, the evening feels festive without demanding too much time at the stove.
Christmas Day
For breakfast I’m deciding between two favorites: crème brûlée-style French toast or quick orange cinnamon rolls that come together in about an hour. Both can be assembled the afternoon before and finished in the morning, which keeps the holiday schedule relaxed. I’ve also considered a buttery egg bake, scaled down so it isn’t overly large for our household. Ultimately I want something savory and satisfying to start the day without spending hours cooking.
Lunch will be casual and mostly pick-and-assemble: smoked salmon and cream cheese for bagels, a big batch of tortellini salad that benefits from resting, and a variety of salad ingredients from grocery pickup. The idea is easy, build-your-own plates so everyone can grab what they want while we relax between activities.
For dinner I’ll make lasagna bolognese. I like to prepare this a day or two ahead since the flavors meld and improve with time. We’ll serve it with a large house salad and garlic bread if we’re feeling indulgent. Having the lasagna ready to reheat means dinner is effortless and comforting after a day of holiday lounging.
Snacks & Treats
Baking is already underway, and cookies will be our main dessert, but I like to keep a few savory snacks and treats available. Some of these will be packaged to share, while others will stay on hand for grazing throughout the weekend.
- Chipotle caramel Chex mix — a sweet-spicy snack that holds up well for several days.
- “Fire crackers” — a crunchy, savory morsel that’s great for nibbling.
- Ritz cracker peanut butter cups — an indulgent, salty-sweet treat that’s always a hit.
Usually when our family gathers I make a large lobster mac and cheese to share, but since we’re keeping this holiday small I’ll focus on a handful of favorite dishes that are easy to prep and reheat. The priority is time together, not hours spent in the kitchen.
How are you planning your holiday menu this year? Keeping things make-ahead and simple has helped us relax and enjoy the season more. Whatever you choose to cook, a few well-planned dishes go a long way toward a low-stress, delicious holiday.