Holiday Meals Without the Stress

Guess what, Mom? It is November. Somehow it snuck up on us! This holiday mealseason always promises magic and fun, but usually brings with it more than a sleigh full of stress. I don’t know if it’s having a second child, or turning 35 or maybe both but this year I just don’t have time for all of that. I’m losing the stress and keeping the joy.

Here’s my destressed holiday entertaining plan:

1. I’m going to pick one showstopper. I’m just going to concentrate on doing one thing each meal really well, and that one thing is something that I can do ahead. Either that glossy burnished turkey, gorgeous dessert, show stopping brunch pastry or whatever, and make everything else super simple. In fact I like to artfully arrange bought items like cheeses and olives for a course, which looks wonderful and everyone enjoys but it really took no work from me at all.

2. I’m not going to bedazzle anything. No Pinteresting how to turn tiny oranges into elves. No making the stuffing into little leaf patterns or whatever is supposed to be cool this year. Delicious holiday food, but I’m not getting lost in the details. Does anybody really remember all of that stuff anyway? If thats your jam then great, you should sell them on Etsy. I’m a sucker for elf oranges, I might buy them.

3. I’m letting people help. Really, if someone offers to bring a salad, or carry a giant platter or hold a baby I’m going to let them. Seriously. Also, I plan on inviting only people who like to bring salads, carry giant platters and hold babies!

4. I’m calling naked toddlers screaming and running through the dining room with a potty in entertainment. In other words, I’m embracing the inevitable. Oh, I’ll provide a few other distractions, puzzles are surprisingly fun for all ages, music is indispensable, and if I get truly ambitious maybe a game that gets conversation flowing.

5. I’m going to stop worrying about it. I’m going to let go all of the things that won’t get done, and enjoy my wonderful friends and family in the moments we have together, isn’t that really the point?

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rachelc
Rachel was born the same year the word "foodie" was officially added to the English language, and boy, did that turn out to be appropriate. A reformed junk food junkie and couch potato, she successfully lost 100 pounds through healthy lifestyle changes, including cooking and eating fresh whole foods. Her cooking classes focus on delicious whole food recipes. She is the owner of the wellness business "This One Bite" and shares healthy recipes and kitchen adventures at ThisOneBite.com. Because that just left too much time on her hands (ha!), Rachel also operates a bakery business, Lucca Bakery, that can be found at farmers markets throughout the season. Rachel is a lifelong learner and has several degrees, certification from the Mayo Clinic and has studied cooking around the world including Le Cordon Bleu Paris. She loves to travel, and brings experiences from over 30 countries to her culinary creations. Luckily, she also has a tall, dark and handsome husband and a couple of adorable kids who never mind licking the bowl.