We will be having family at our house for quite a few days this week, so menu planning has been extra important. We try to have a nicer dinner on Christmas Eve, after Mass, to celebrate the eve of Jesus' birth.

 

This year I decided to go a different route from our normal shrimp, salad, bacon wrapped filets, and broccoli rice casserole, so we will see how it goes. Here is what I have planned for us on Wednesday night:

 

Salad with Assorted Dressings

I will be using a mix of baby lettuces, peppers, tomatoes, and cheese

Rolls with Butter

I am trying a new brand, Rhodes Texas White Dinner Rolls, hope they turn out

Baked Ham

My mom will be bringing the ham she purchased, it will just be needed to be heated and served, which is nice and easy

Macaroni and Cheese

I find throwing together mac and cheese a simple, easy to do side that I know my kids will gobble up. I cook regular elbow noodles per the package directions and then throw them in my crockpot with some butter and milk. I then cut up chunks of velvetta cheese and let it melt over the noodles. I mix until everything is creamy and yummy. Sometimes I even throw in some shredded cheddar to finish it off.

Green Bean Casserole

This is a holiday staple, right? It isn't my favorite item, but two family members requested it, so I will happily make it.

 

All of these items will also provide us leftovers to add to other meals throughout the following days.

 

On Christmas Day we are usually opening presents, playing games, and watching holiday movies. Nobody really wants to cook a big meal so we will be doing a handful  of appetizers to snack on throughout the day. Here is what I have planned for Thursday:

 

Shrimp with Chili Sauce

My mom buys some really big, delicious shrimp from a local meat store

Cheese, Sausage, and Crackers

Always an easy snack, sliced cheese and summer sausage can be filling and I know the kids will at least eat the cheese and crackers

Meatballs

Precooked meatballs with grape jelly and chili sauce

Pizza Dip with Herb Pita Chips

Cream cheese, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese all baked together

Veggies

A healthy option to fill up on

Spinach Dip with Bread

One of my favorite appetizers, so yummy

Ham and Pickle Rollups

Ham, cream cheese, and dill pickles rolled up together for one quick bite