The fact that I’m only posting this now is already a sign that this season, for some reason, is pretty chaotic for me. Not sure what’s with December but I feel exhausted already, lol! Anyway, so on to the more important matter – Christmas dinner tips.

Why you ask? Because I know a lot of people (me included of course) who see this particular dinner a quite daunting task. It’s special because it’s Christmas and it’s special because you’ll be having the family (extended family even!) over.

So, check out this list that will hopefully get you through the whole thing. Let us know what you think and do share if you have a little trick in your pocket to add to these 7 Christmas dinner tips:

7 Christmas Dinner Tips

1. Make an actual plan

For your first step, it’s better that you actually get a pen and paper – or your tablet, and literally make a plan. Write down who’s joining the dinner – is it going to be just family or will you invite over extended family or friends? What are you going to make? Do your guests have specific food preferences or allergies?

2. Schedule grocery shopping

Once you have decided what are you making then it’s time to coordinate the shopping. For fresh produce that you’ll be using perhaps schedule them near the big day, for canned or pre-packed ingredients then feel free to shop much earlier.

3. Check all needed kitchen tools and equipment

Since you already know what you’re making, make sure that the kitchen tools or equipment that you’ll be needing are already out of their hiding place. Say, for instance, you decided you want to make your own bread, and your bread maker has been sitting in the cabinet for ages – then certainly, do check first! And while you’re at it, do check too, if the fine China you plan of using is all prepped and ready.

4. Prepare make-ahead side dishes

This is especially important if you’re planning a big dinner – prepare make-ahead side dishes. This will save you time and avoid chaos as you cook the main dishes on the day itself. You can also prep dishes in advance and do the finishing touches on the big night. For instance, I have a habit of prepping meat sauce and bechamel sauce for my baked macaroni a day before – so I only have to cook the noodles and bake it on the night itself while I’m finishing up the other dishes. Yes, to multitasking, right?

5. Get the family involved

If you can get a couple of extra hands from the family then certainly why not right? You can assign them specific dishes to make or you can delegate particular small tasks that will let you focus on the bigger tasks for the evening. Getting them involved is also a great way of keeping them busy and occupied. If, by any chance, you feel they won’t be much of a help in the kitchen, then perhaps prepare a game or an activity for them so that they’ll live you alone in the kitchen, lol!

6. Use the timer

It’s so easy to get lost track of time when you are in the midst of it! So yes, set the timer. Have a schedule on hand that will keep you on track – for instance, say by 8 am, desserts should be chilling in the fridge already, or something like by 4 pm the roast should be in the oven already. Have your schedule printed or handwritten on a piece of paper and stick it on the fridge or somewhere you can easily glance over to check if you are still on time.

7. Enjoy the madness

And lastly, enjoy the madness. Whatever happens before, during, or after Christmas dinner – remember that the most important thing still is the gathering together of your loved ones. Savor the memory however unpleasant some are – have a good chuckle, pick the ones that will boost your happiness, and charge to experience the ones that didn’t go well as planned.

How To Survive (and Enjoy) the Holidays

You already have a solid plan for Christmas dinner and yet you’re still dreading the Christmas holidays – well, it’s quite understandable. Festivities like these can easily turn into a disaster – leaving you all stressed and feeling like a Grinch when you’re not able to prep somehow.

So, if the above Christmas dinner tips is not putting your mind at ease, here are some more tips on how to survive and also enjoy the holidays (hopefully, these will find you in time. If not, I do wish you all a merry, joyful, and hopeful Christmas!).

Save up

It’s probably too late for some as Christmas is literally around the corner, but if you did save up then congratulations – you’re at least one inch closer to surviving the holidays.

Commercialization indeed turned the season of giving literally a season of giving – so understandably, the Christmas holidays also mean there are going to be a lot of extra expenses. Like a lot extra!

In addition to ‘saving up’ you should really learn to ‘budget’ your holiday money – have a particular amount set aside for gift giving and a designated amount to be used for holiday gatherings.

Shop ahead of time

If you haven’t yet, then seriously, go now. As we speak, malls are probably already beaming with patrons not to mention full parking lots! But of course, there is always online shopping. Frankly, I’m beginning to enjoy online shopping now more than actually going to the malls.

Wrapped presents as soon as you get them or as soon as they got delivered so you don’t risk the chance of ruining the surprise for whoever it’s for. You can still make it a secret gift by not putting a card yet – but remember to write or put something that would give you a clue who is it for. There was one Christmas where I just wrote a small number on each box for reference, another time I used code names instead (which is quite fun because they had a grand time guessing who’s who).

Get into the holiday feeling

I know, easier said than done – particularly for us adults or those adulting. But yes, try your best to get into the holiday feeling. Perhaps start with pampering yourselves – doesn’t have to be a spa treat or a shopping spree – could be anything that you really love and enjoy doing. If it’s reading or simply staying in bed late – then feel free to do so. If it’s the power juicer you’ve been meaning to get, then yes do gift yourself with one.

I read (or probably watched? Can’t quite remember) something about ‘treating yourself how you would have treated others.’ Quite simple words but I realized that it’s very true. If you’re willing to make an effort and literally go out of your way to treat, help, gift, or simply surprise someone in the hopes that they will feel happy, special, or loved – then why not do the same for yourself, right? This will for sure get you into that Holiday feeling!