We are 10 days away from Christmas, but only 7 days away from gathering with family. I am thrilled that my mom, bro, SIL, and nieces will all be here for Christmas! In preparation, I’m putting my meal planning skills to work now so I can have plenty of time to make some dishes ahead of time early next week. I thought it could be fun to share!

The details: 5 not-picky adults. One that leans vegetarian. 4 kids, none super picky, but for ease there needs to be a lot of easy, simple kid options like mandarin oranges, red bell peppers, black olives, rolls.

I’ve checked the weather and it looks like fabulous Christmas weather (IMO)- cold, cloudy, cozy. Because of this, I’m leaning into soups and other warming meals. I’m also making sure we have plenty of warming beverages like hot chocolate, hot tea, coffee, and red wine (and martini making supplies, because that’s how the Stathas side rolls).

I’ll also have cookies out, my favorite of course, but also gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and peppermint bark. Since the weather will dictate our plans one day, I plan to utilize the freezer. That way I can pull out soup and chili if we are around the house, but nothing will go to waste if we end up heading out for the day.

I plan on making everything I can ahead of time early next week. I’ll use disposable tin pans for breakfast casseroles, freeze soup in my souper cubes, and clear a shelf in the pantry to load up with Christmas foods. OK, here’s the menu I’m planning…

December 22 – Arrival Day

Dinner: Lasagna (meat version* and vegetarian*) with a salad and dinner rolls

December 23 – Family Play Day

This one is a little tough because plans change depending on weather. If nice out, we’re thinking of a festive family outing of ice skating and lights. However, if it turns out more cold and rainy, as predicted right now, then we’ll probably hang closer to home. Cookie decorating, board games, and Christmas charades, and therefore more food at home.

Breakfast: cantaloupe, mandarin oranges, bagels, cream cheese, lox, capers, red onion, scrambled eggs

Lunch: Baby Swiss cheese, summer sausage, crackers, leftover lasagna, vegetable soup*, chili*

Dinner: Chicken enchiladas*, Mexican rice, black beans, guacamole, salsa, cheese dip

December 24 – Christmas Eve

The morning will be spent around the house, the afternoon at church, and the evening back in cozy clothes snacking and having a fire while tracking Santa through NORAD.

Breakfast: cantaloupe, mandarin oranges, bagels, cream cheese, lox, capers, red onion, scrambled eggs

Lunch and afternoon snacks: any leftovers (soup, enchiladas, etc), White Chicken Chili Corn* Dip, Kris’ layered Mexican dip, Swiss cheese and sausage, Grandma Betty’s cream cheese dip,

2:30 Church Service

Dinner: Seafood Gumbo, a tradition! David and Kris take the lead on this one. It’s a little different every year, but it’s loosely based on Emeril’s recipe.

December 25 – Christmas

Our family’s tradition is to make coffee, see what Santa brought, pop in some breakfast casseroles, and open family gifts. It’s a chaotic and joyful morning that tends to lend itself to an easy afternoon of kids playing with new toys and adults cleaning up wrapping and preparing food for the evening.

Breakfast: Breakfast casserole with sausage and veggies*, Hashbrown and egg casserole* (sub feta), French toast casserole*

Lunch: eat the fridge

Dinner: Garlic rosemary beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce, garlicky green beans, Stathas family potatoes, broccoli and rice casserole, dinner rolls, pecan pie, vanilla ice cream

December 26 – Boxing Day

Eat the fridge and freezer!

I’ve split my grocery list into two. The first one has all the items I’ll need to make the dishes I plan to make ahead and freeze (items indicated with a *). I’ll be a busy bee early next week and am certainly going to put my deep freezer to good use, but I know I’ll feel more relaxed having many of the dishes done.

Am I missing anything? I’m open to feedback!
Do you host family or friends for the holidays? What’s your must have Christmas dish?