Christmas is the most joyful time of the year. However, let’s get practical, it’s also the most stressful time of the year. This especially holds true for those hosting a Christmas dinner for their friends and family. From running errands to cooking a lavish meal, the tasks can slowly pile up and get on your nerves. If you want to make your Christmas more stress-free, avoid making the following mistakes while cooking for the holiday feast.
1. Not counting guests
Always send the invitation and get a confirmation at least a month before the big day. This will help you keep a headcount as well as help you determine the amount of food you need to prepare. While sending out invites, ask about their allergies or dietary restrictions along with their RSVP. This will prevent last-minute panic at the dinner table and help you plan the menu accordingly.
2. Not pre-deciding the menu
Once the invitees are confirmed, sit with your family and decide on the menu for the big day. This will give you a clear picture of the items you need to cook on the same day, the ones you need to thaw the night before, and the dishes you can pre-cook and store beforehand. Never leave it for the last minute. It will only lead to panic and anxiety, and you don’t want anything to ruin your Christmas.
3. Not cooking as per your convince
You might be tempted to make your family’s age-old, time-consuming traditional recipes. However, do you have the stamina for that, especially with kids who ask for you every few minutes? Acceptance is key, and becoming a mama changes the holiday game, so you need to adjust your plans accordingly.
There is no harm in looking for new recipes that are easy to make or can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Cooking at your convenience will keep you sane throughout the holiday season, allowing you to spend more time with your family and friends.
Depending upon your situation and time constraint, make things easier by getting your hands on pre-cooked Christmas food items like brown-and-serve rolls, steam-in-the-bag veggies, canned yams, pre-cut veggies, etc. You can add your twist to these items and serve them to your guests.
4. Not taking cooking time into consideration
Cooking time, cooking utensils, fridge space, and oven size. You need to consider these things before jumping into holiday cooking mode. Every Christmas dish requires an ample amount of cooking time, fridge space for storage, and the correct utensils for cooking. So, plan what you should cook first and how to store them. Also, be mindful of the size of the oven. Imagine getting a giant turkey for your Christmas feast, only for it to not fit in your oven!
5. Not shopping early
Last-minute grocery shopping is never a good idea during the holiday season. Plus, as Christmas draws closer, most stores are out of good produce or products. So, after deciding on the menu, prepare your grocery list, go through it twice so you don’t miss out on the ingredients, and shop as early as possible.
However, we realize that some Christmas food items must be fresh and may not last a week in your fridge or on your shelf. Consider curbside pickup or even delivery a day or two in advance to avoid a last-minute run to the grocery store.
Along with these, do not hesitate to ask for help from your family and friends. They all know how stressful Christmas cooking can be and will gladly lend a hand. So, avoid these mistakes while cooking for Christmas, and have a jolly ol’ time this holiday season.
