Planning Christmas this year is unusually stressful because of the pandemic. Navigating a smaller gathering, maintaining family traditions, shipping gifts, and planning holiday meals and baked goods seems like too much during these times. Rather than adding more pressure, I’m taking a cue from a family tradition and only planning Christmas Eve dinner, opting to purchase Christmas dinner from a restaurant and bakery. Christmas Eve dinner growing up was a spread of finger foods and snacks for family to nibble on while watching Home Alone, wrapping presents, and heading out to tour the neighborhood lined with lights. The dinner is easy and can be made days before; giving you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the holiday with family. Here is a list of recipes for Christmas Eve menus to inspire you for a holiday spread that keeps you out of the kitchen and gives you more time enjoying the holiday. 

Dips & Spreads
Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball
Bacon and Cream Cheese Dip 
French Onion Dip

Finger Foods
Parmesan Zucchini Strips 
Jumbo Ham and Apple Hot Pockets 
Vegetable Pancakes
Buttermilk Biscuits 
Seeded Honey Fig Toast  

Snacks
Marinated Beets 
Quick-Pickled Vegetables 

Drinks
Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail 
Santa’s Little Helper Cocktail 

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