Holiday stress is fueled by a lot of things, but holiday meals doesn’t have to be one of them. Here is how you can find peace in the kitchen this holiday season.
Sometimes the most wonderful time of the year is also the most stressful! Pictures, gift baskets, presents – oh my!
Holiday meal prep is easily one of the biggest beasts to conquer during the holiday season. You can juggle cook times, dietary preferences, traditions, and more when it comes to trying to get a good meal on the table.
With a plan, I have found that I’m able to keep myself on track and tackle even the biggest holiday meals. There are a few other ways I’m able to take a deep breath and keep the momentum going in the kitchen, too.
Here are my tips for how to reduce stress during holiday cooking.
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In the Homemaker and Happy Kitchen
In my home, I’m all about establishing healthy habits. In the kitchen, that extends to more than just food!
When I’m trying to get dinner on the table on a weeknight, I rely on some of these same tips. While I like to make from scratch food, I also like to give myself a break now and then and pick up a frozen pizza for dinner.
If You’re Cooking for a Crowd this Year…
Cooking for your family during a weeknight is one thing. Cooking for a crowd is another! Here are the best ways to cook for a crowd stress-free.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Hosting family is an honor and a privilege. Because of that, there’s some added weight to the responsibility!
When you can calmly accept that things will go wrong, someone won’t like the food, or dinner maybe 5 minutes late, you can relieve so much extra tension.
Expectations don’t have to be all negative, either. You can let go of the need for everything to look perfect. Your best is what your family truly wants!
2. Prioritize Family Traditions
Social media encourages us to try new things. Sometimes it’s simply unnecessary!
Don’t be afraid to prioritize family traditions, whether it’s decor or food.
3. Go Bulk Grocery Shopping
Save yourself some money and buy your staples in bulk! During the holidays, I like to bulk buy things like butter, flour, cheese, and vegetables.
Are you looking for homemaking tips all year round?
The holidays are a great time to showcase what you have spent the year learning. And it’s a wonderful way to bless your family!
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4. Create a Menu and Share it with Your Guests
When you create a menu, you are focusing on what you are preparing. That means there won’t be surprises or additions to the dinner that will burden you the day of.
Share the menu with your guests so they know what to expect! This communicates what will be available. Instead of dealing with feelings of disappointment during the meal, they can deal with those feelings beforehand.
Sharing the menu also gives guests an opportunity to ask to bring something they may want but they don’t see on the menu. This is a great way to get some help this holiday season!
You Can Always Seek Additional Assistance
5. Have Your Holiday Meal Catered
Who says holidays have to be homemade?
If you and your family are having a particularly hard year, or you simply aren’t chefs, there isn’t anything saying you can’t cater this year’s meal.
6. Ditch the Traditional Holiday Meals
Every year for Christmas my in-laws serve enchiladas. I’m not sure how it started, but it’s their tradition.
When you ditch the holiday ham and five-course meal, you can truly enjoy the people around your table and the time you have with them.
7. Host a Holiday Potluck
Smaller-sized portions aren’t always a surefire way to reduce stress. Because the food still needs to be prepped! But something like a potluck can lighten your load.
8. Purchase Pre-Made Food
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – modern conveniences can give us our time back!
This year, that time may look like pre-packed food or pre-made meals. Let it be so! Bring balance to your holidays in whatever way that looks best for you and your families.
9. Prep Food in Advance
If you’ve read my kitchen skills blog posts, you know that I’m always preparing food for future meals or snacks. So why not use that skill during the holidays?
During Thanksgiving, you can brine your turkey two or three days prior to cooking it. You can make baked goods days in advance. And the day before you host, you can take care of your side dishes.
Don’t stress this holiday season. Have a plan!
10. Have Guests Bring Side Dishes
I have hosted very few guests who haven’t offered to bring something. When you offer to bring a dish, it’s such a blessing to the host!
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If You Want to Avoid Unwanted Stress…
11. Don’t Try New Recipes
New recipes can add another layer of stress because you may be working with unfamiliar ingredients or you aren’t sure what you’re looking for in a finished dish.
When you’re hosting, that may not bother you! But to be on the safe side, save recipe testing for meals throughout the year.
12. Get Plenty of Sleep Before the Big Meal
Some modern-day toddler parenting advice claims toddlers are usually tired, hungry, or overstimulated. So as a rule, tend to those needs first.
As I think about that I can’t help but think of all the times I, as a mother, have benefited from a snack and a nap!
Before you host guests in your home for the holidays, make sure you are well rested. Plan your meals around your week like we have talked about so you aren’t up late into the night trying to get ahead on food preparation.
13. Prioritize Healthy Foods
Some holiday traditions are loaded with overly processed sugars, bad fats, and junk ingredients. I’m not saying do away with beloved recipes!
I’m saying prep a few things aside from the holiday meal so you have a healthy snack. Perhaps you have a veggie tray or a fruit tray in the fridge so you can sneak a few bites when you’re feeling hungry.
I love to throw together some cheese, fruit, and dark chocolate. I also add nuts for some added nutrition.
For more recipe ideas to try, follow me on Pinterest!
14. Schedule in Alone Time
If I know I’m going to be tackling a big family function, I find time to sneak away for a cup of coffee. Or I schedule something like a manicure a few days after the big event.
Scheduling alone time allows me to take a healthy break in the midst of being so busy serving others.
15. Share Holiday Tasks
If you host, that doesn’t mean you have to cook. It also doesn’t mean you have to be responsible for things like dessert, games, and the like.
Consider asking a family member to help you host! Divide up the responsibilities and traditions as you see fit and lighten your load this holiday season.
16. Get Some Fresh Air
The air may be chilly where you are. But taking a few deep breaths of fresh air is an incredible way to ground yourself and destress.
17. Take a Little Break
Snuggle up with a good book or go for a short walk at intervals during your cooking day. A little break in the midst of holiday chaos will do you some good!
Do you have more on your plate this holiday season?
Holiday parties can take all of your attention. You can be responsible for food, travel, and gifts.
If you are also responsible for hosting, consider setting up a welcome basket for your guests. Be sure to include things like your guest’s favorite snacks and how they can access the internet in your home.
Remember – don’t be afraid to opt for store-bought meals and snacks! Cooking and hosting can be stressful during the holidays.
For even more hosting tips, check out Helpful Tips for Hosting Overnight Guests.
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