Let Go of Expectations
My mom was a hostess extraordinaire with homemade dinner rolls and cranberry sauce to die for. While I tried to follow in her footsteps, I realized that what mattered most to me as a child was time with her. So I gave myself permission to skip the kitchen marathon and just be present. After all, years from now, no one will likely remember if you swapped homemade rolls for a simpler side dish—but they will remember the laughter you shared.
Focus on People, Not Plates
For me, the holidays are about connection, not hours in the kitchen. So, I've made food a side dish instead of a centerpiece. This year, I'm keeping it simple with a quick 30-minute Christmas dinner of salmon with wild rice and green beans.
Instead of slaving over a stove, I plan to play board games with my family and read stories with my kids. When preparing food takes a backseat, joyful memories take center stage. Not only am I happier, but so are my kids. Just like me when I was a child, what my kids want most isn't a fancy meal—it's time with me.
Dare to Go Rogue!
My mom used to make the entire meal from scratch every holiday regardless of the number of guests. By the time we sat down to eat, she was exhausted. So, I decided family traditions don't need to be etched in stone. Instead, my husband and I created several solutions to turn the stress of cooking into the joy of cooking when hosting a large gathering:
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Potluck-Style Gatherings: Share the load! I provide the main dish, and guests bring the rest. No one worries about perfectly timed dishes or a picture-perfect spread—just bring a dish, a smile, and you're set.
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Grazing Gatherings: We've hosted Christmas Eve grazing buffets where each guest brings a finger food. Guests mingle, eat, and relax without a strict dinner schedule. It's casual, cozy, and utterly stress-free!
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Skip Food at Kids' Parties: Yes, Really! Each year, we host a kid's Christmas party. However, instead of serving the typical holiday treats, we throw food-free parties centered on games and crafts. Surprisingly, nobody minds! Kids are too busy playing to notice what's not on the table, and parents can relax knowing the focus is on fun, not sugary foods.
Rediscover Holiday Magic
By simplifying our holiday gatherings, we found that elusive magic. My memories are now of laughter, games, and precious time spent with family. If you're looking to recapture that holiday magic, consider lightening your plate. You just might find that joy isn't found in hours spent in the kitchen but in the moments you spend together, fully present and stress-free.
Wishing you a joyful and restful holiday season!
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