It feels like everyone is doing the most this time of year. My social media feeds are filled with elaborate elf-on-the-shelf pranks, homemade advent calendars, and halls that are fully, extravagantly decked.
While some of the calendar chaos is unavoidable (yes, there will be two dance performances, a choir and band concert, and something called a “Winter Extravaganza” all this month), I wonder how much of the pressure cooker of the holidays is self-imposed.
I recently watched one of my best friends tell her doe-eyed children that she did not believe in elf magic and therefore, they would not have an elf in their house this season. I was in awe. We can actually say no to some things and still have a magical, meaningful Christmas. We can pick and choose our traditions and let go of the stuff that doesn’t work for our family without guilt.
With that in mind, here is a non-mandatory list of things to make this month. I think of December food in three categories: Party Appetizers, Easy Dinners, and Cookies. I’ve got some suggestions for all three. Take what works for you, and leave the rest, guilt free.
Quick, Festive Party Bites
Maple Pecans- 3 ingredients and 15 minutes is all you need to make this sweet and salty pecans that are perfect for countertop snacking, cheese boards, and gifting.
Puff Pastry Goat Cheese Bites- Cute, poppable, flaky bites that you can fill with any kind of jam + goat cheese (or brie, or whatever tickles your fancy).
Cranberry Brie Crostini- Toasty bread + Cheese + Roasted Cranberries. This combo is never going to fail you.
Ritz Cracker Sandwiches- Grab a huge tray, line up a bunch of Ritz crackers, top with cheese and ham of your choice, butter, and bake. See also: Hawaiian Roll Ham and Cheese Sliders.
Three Cheese Lasagna Dip- Serve with garlic bread dippers for all the best lasagna flavors without the work.
Knorr Spinach Dip- A zhushed up version of the from-a-packet-Knorr vegetable dip. Serve it in a bread bowl if you’d like to feel like a party queen.
Easy Dinners for The Busiest Weeknights
Crock Pot Shredded Beef- The tastiest roast beef can be served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or on sandwiches. It makes enough to feed a family of 4 several meals!
Turkey Pho- This is my suggestion for the week after Christmas, when your body is screaming for a vegetable and you’re likely to have some turkey leftovers around.
Ground Beef Quesadillas- Pssst- you can skip the beef and just make cheesy quesadillas if you’re super short on time! It’s a go-to for me when we’re really strapped for time.
One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli- One pot and 30 minutes is all you need for this complete meal!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs- Easy juicy seasoned chicken thighs get the best crispy skin in the air fryer!
Brie and Prosciutto Sandwiches- Turn your leftover charcuterie board into a sandwich!
Christmas Cookies
Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Shortbread- Buttery shortbread dotted with cranberries and dipped in chocolate and crushed pistachios. A quintessential Christmas cookie.
Orange Cookies- My absolute favorite fluffy iced orange cookies. They’re a burst of sunshine for cold winter days.
Ginger Molasses Cookies- Chewy, soft, and perfectly spiced.
Mint Oreo Cookies- This is an easy drop cookie with a festive twist.
Lemon Rosemary Butter Cookies- Citrus and herbs can be so lovely in the winter months. These are always a nice surprise to have in the mix.
Ritz Cracker Fluffernutter Cookies- These are our family’s favorite no-bake cookies. Sweet and salty, with chocolate, peanut butter, and marshmallow, we find these disappear first off the cookie tray.