Category Archives: 12 Posts of Christmas

Holiday Checklist, Shopping Wrapped Up

Posted in 12 Posts of Christmas by

We are getting down to the wire on the Christmas countdown, so here’s a few of the coolest gifts we’ve gotten over the years. Maybe this list can help you to finish strong!

Totally Functional & Awesome
Rolling Monogrammed Suitcases for the kids – Not super fancy designer brands but durable with wheels that let them tote their stuff on vacation. Score for the Griswolds!

Handmade Gear
Etched Casserole Dish in an Insulated Carrying Container
DIY Science Kit
Crayon and coloring book holder
Build Your Own Fort Kit in Drawstring Bag
Boo Boo Bags – these rice filled bags can go in the freezer or microwave and each child has their own fabric
Fleece Blankets & Matching Travel Pillows
Pillow Shields – these cuties elevate pillow fights to a whole new level
Apron for me & one for Baby Girl
Books!!! – there are lists all over the Internet for amazing childrens’ books…one day I will get around to our favorites
Quick Pillowcases or bath towels embroidered with each child’s name 

Of the Stocking Stuffer Sort
Magnetic bookmarks
Stanley 66-344 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver
Socks – not even kidding
Kid themed Band-aids

Amazing Ideas I’m Going to Totally Steal
For the couple who just bought a house: a self inking address stamp – The Stamp Company is in the USA, has cute stuff and wonderful customer service

Nickelodeon Themed Chia Pets

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Holiday Checklist, Dinner – Done!

The hustle bustle is tuning up, and soon moms across the world will have to-do lists longer than their arms.  Please let me give your bustle a little less hustle with planned out meals for the holiday season.

Daily Dinner Plan – with Crockpot options

November 30
Pork Chops with Caramelized Onions, Apples and Thyme, Quick Roasted Asparagus

December 1
Diner Comfort Food – Cheesesteak Style or Patty Melt Sandwiches

December 2
One Pot Chicken and Rice – you’ll have leftovers, so you won’t have to worry about hubby’s lunch tomorrow or the rice for next week’s soup

December 3
Minestrone Soup

December 4
Baked Chicken Parmesan or this yummy looking Milanese (less cheese, more calories for cookies) An even easier version is this chicken parmesan casserole you could assemble ahead.

December 5
Paula Deen’s Pulled Pork Stuffed into Baked Potatoes (make a double batch of the pork, and you’re ready for next week)

December 6
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Steamed or Roasted Veggies and a Green Salad

December 7
Baked white fish sliders with not-your-normal cole slaw and oven fries

December 8
Shredded Beef Tacos or mix it up with these Korean Style Lettuce Wraps (both of these yield awesome leftovers)

December 9
Chicken and Rice Soup

December 10
Stuffed Pasta Shells (add in sautéed dark greens instead of meat and make this dish for Meatless Monday) A great reason to make a big pot of marinara and freeze for another busy night.

December 11
Texas Chili Bar – no beans here! (brown the meat , onion and garlic, then pop in the crockpot with all the other ingredients so it’s ready when you are)

Tonight is family game night, and make your own bowls of chili couldn’t be easier! Save the extra cornbread for next week’s stuffed peppers.

December 12
Mediterranean Style One Dish Herb Chicken Bake

December 13
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (this is actually leftover pork from the baked potato night that I froze for a super quick meal)

December 14
Veggie Lo Mein

December 15
Tis this season for family and friends, so why not make Taco Tuesday an event? Grab a holiday flick or make an impromptu craft or gift wrapping party.  Try these Seven Layer Tostadas

December 16
Pioneer Woman’s Pork Chops with Pineapple fried rice

December 17
Chicken and Cornbread Stuffed Peppers OR My Stuffed Bell Peppers

December 18
My Potato Soup – a nod to my family heritage — so easy and yummy

December 19
Broiled Salmon and roasted veggies

December 20
Whisky BBQ Meatballs ( I use my BBQ sauce recipe, then  add mashed potatoes (or steamed veggies, or herbed noodles – the side options are endless)

December 21
Kid’s Night – Bake cookies, make treats, watch your favorite holiday movie, let them invite friends over for a sleepless slumber party – the kids hang out, then everyone goes home and goes to their own beds for sleeping

Dinner cooked in muffin tins makes everything easy to divide and easy to eat – Mary Beth’s Knock Your Socks off Meatloaf and Mac and Cheese Cups

December 22
Soup – easy dinner so you can get to those last minute items on your list

December 23
In Texas, Christmas brings Tamales – order some, or try these cheats

December 24 & 25
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day are not included since everyone has their own traditions

December 26
With new toys to try and games to play, try one of these breakfast casseroles to start, or end , your day

December 27
Supreme Pizza Pasta (toss in the slow cooker or even freeze ahead)

December 28
Grilled Venison Backstrap with Gingered Carrots

December 29
Pioneer Woman’s Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup

December 30
Baked chimichangas

December 31
Stay in Date Nite – going out when you have young children is rare; I don’t want to spend it with crowds

Chicken Marsala with Garlic Whipped Potatoes & Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots

Forget the bubbly, this year I’m making these bourbon Blizzards.

Keep in the Freezer for One of Those Really Long Days – seriously, you don’t even need a side!

Make a Bunch and Save for Lunch

Pioneer Woman’s Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork – In the oven or slow cooker, this make it and leave it dish is great on slider rolls with sliced gouda or piled in tortillas with cilantro, queso fresco, sliced avocado, and a lime wedge for quick pork tacos – Plus there are usually plenty of leftovers to freeze and use again*

Pecan Crusted Chicken – these take some prep up front, but they are easy to make and freeze great

Browned & seasoned ground beef, bison, or turkey (use in tacos, quesadillas, as pizza toppings)

Chicken Fajita meat – try this marinade to elevate them beyond normal week night.

Bring a Little Holiday Spirit into Your Kitchen

Christmas Scones

Gingerbread Waffles – I haven’t made these yet, but they are on my must try list

Fresh Cranberry Scones

Hosting Guests? These touches are sure to impress

For their room:

  • Recently I stayed at my brothers’ and one of the most welcome treats was their selection of pillows. Doesn’t sound like much, but with everyone having their own preference, being able to choose was a luxury. Of course, I picked them all!
  • Have an extra throw blanket in the room, especially for those who travel across the country, the climate change can be shocking

In the Morning:

  • Create a coffee and tea station next to a bowl of fruit so early risers can serve themselves and relax.
  • Your guests will be convinced they’re at a B&B with these breakfasts-Homemade donuts – these puppies are all baked so you can indulge without standing over the frypan or having guilt-Blueberry Baked Oatmeal or Bobby’s Oatmeal Stuffed Apples
  • Baked egg boats would be restaurant worthy
  • Set a loaf of bread to make overnight, so you wake to Fresh Bread machine with make ahead berry butter spread
  • Save some time with this gourmet casserole

Stock Ahead for Comfy Touches:

  • make sure the bar is stocked, grab an extra bottle of wine to mull (awesome on the day guests are arriving), have some bottled sparkling water or ginger ale on hand
  • early in the month, check dry goods in your pantry so you are prepared for last minute at home meals that come with an unexpected winter storm front
  • make cookie dough and freeze, so fresh baked cookies are quick to whip up

Fix-Aead Dinners that Feed a Crowd:

It’s that time of year again! Shopping Lists, Little Elves, and Lots of Holiday Fun!

Sometimes us moms need a little help keeping it all balanced around the holidays.  With ever ending to-do lists, hard to handle relatives, and busy schedules, it can seem like a real job bringing joy and magic to the season.  I hope my December no-thought meals, What to do with that ELF list, and 2015 gift guide can make your holiday just a little happier!

What to do with that ELF? list.

Nov 29 – it’s back! – ours takes the USPS…some throw a party, some arrive toy airplane, by train, or go all out and make a hot air balloon – tonight you’re on your own.

Nov 30 – spilling DVDs and books all over living room

Dec 1 – making a paper chain

Dec 2 – hanging out of cabinet surrounded by police cars

Dec 3 – drawing minions on the bananas

Dec 4 – over the door swing on tp roll

Dec 5 – repelling at window

Dec 6 – working on the truck

Dec 7 – digging in M&M bag

Dec 8 – in a Lincoln log house

Dec 9 – making paper snowflakes*

Dec 10 – gift bows all over kitchen

Dec 11 – playing cards or board game with stuffed animals*

Dec 12 – riding t-rex

Dec 13 – hiding in the silverware drawer

Dec 14 – roasting marshmallows over a candle

Dec 15 – goldfishing with pole

Dec 16 – sack race

Dec 17 – stuck under a weight while working out

Dec 18 – hiding under a glass (staged to play hide and seek with a toy)

Dec 19 – riding in the remote control car (doll controlling it)

Dec 20 – Little people carriage ride with doll

Dec 21 – checking out a yarn moustache in the mirror

Dec 22 – posing behind an empty picture frame

Dec 23 – crepe paper over door

Dec 24 – praying over Bible/ letter goodbye

Supplies – police cars, gift bows, bananas, paper lunch sacks, goldfish, cards/game (game night supplies), supplies for paper snowflakes, small hand weight, remote control car, paper chain supplies, little people carriage, crepe paper, brown yarn, M&M’s, Bible/goodbye letter, small picture frame, Little People and doll, drinking glass

If you are like me, you know you’re going to fall asleep or forget to move the little guy at least once, so plan ahead with a little Pinterest help…

NYE

NYE
Host a KIDS’ NITE IN
I love having kid’s nite in. I have always been more of a homebody than a party girl, so having little ones to hang with is just my speed.

The PLAN
Gather up board games, family inclined video games, or the Legos spread all over the house and plan a family game or built it night.

The MENU
Beer & Cheese Fondue with Pretzel Bites
Serve warm gooey cheese with these salty little soft pretzels I found on Deb’s Smitten Kitchen. With small hungry onlookers, I opted to just cut the dough in two-inch sections and make pretzel bites. Such a simple way to add a little pizazz to your standard fondue. Make it more of a meal by adding sliced smoked sausage or mini cooked meatballs, blanched veggies, and crusty bread.

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New Year’s Day
The PLAN
Spend a little time making family goals for the upcoming year, maybe even brainstorm for a wishlist/bucket list.

The MENU
Sliders
Children and adults alike love bite sized food. Get a little creative, and make some sliders….chicken fried steak on a biscuit, regular hamburger sliders, or sweet & spicy pulled pork are all winners!

Black eyed Pea Dip
A Texas spin on a traditional lucky food.
GATHER:
2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Several shakes hot sauce
1 1/2 cups black eyed peas, cooked
1 cup medium sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 small onion, small dice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño, minced
2 green onions, thinly chopped
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 lime, juiced
Bunch of cilantro, chopped
Sour cream
To Make:
Cook peas and set aside. Sauté onion, pepper, and garlic. Add to cooked peas. In a food processor, purée peas, onion, garlic, spices, and lime juice with cream cheese until dip consistency. Fold in green onions and cilantro. Spread in baker, top with grated cheese, and bake at 375 until heated through and cheese is melted. Garnish with sour cream and serve with corn chips.

The Mary of Christmas

Posted in 12 Posts of Christmas, Faithfully Yours, the little moments by

The other day I was watching Pentatonix’s rendition of the popular Christmas song, Mary Did You Know?
It is very pretty, but then I starting thinking…Mary did know.

She knew that she was about to have a baby.
She knew that she would be a mother.
She knew her son would do amazing things.
She knew God chose her to be HIS mother.

Being a mom is amazing.
Being a mom at Christmastime is pretty amazing.
Cheers to Mary, a mother who relied on God to help her be the mother she needed to be to her child.
What an awesome leap of faith.

I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May you word to me be fulfilled.” – Luke 1:38 NIV

Gumbo! A Break from Holiday Overload

Posted in 12 Posts of Christmas, The Meals by

I thought I would be writing this post weeks ago, but our house has been SICK. Head cold, viruses, upset stomach, put us out of our misery sick. Bah Humbug. The weather in Texas has been warm, then rainy, then cold and dreary. Bah. The small attempts I have made to rejoin society have been through hurricane kit craft stores and bustling grocery aisles. Bah.

The school week is winding down, the kids’ excitement is growing, and Christmas is around the corner. Time for a little break from holiday overload. This afternoon, Baby Girl took a long nap, the boys started a Mario Bros marathon, and I caught up on Hallmark’s 2014 Holiday Movies. What a delightfully cheesy way to catch a little Christmas joy. A Royal Christmas and Christmas Underwraps (LOVE Candace Cameron Bure) did not disappoint: sweet, predictable, and made me smile. It was up and at them for some food love – Gumbo. I have used a version of this recipe I originally tore out year’s ago from Cook’s Illustrated by America’s Test Kitchen, and those guys know their stuff. I have added chicken thigh meat over the years, but tonight we had a little duck thrown in.

Cajun Duck, Shrimp, and Sausage Gumbo
Serves 4-6
Gather:
1/2 # gulf shrimp, shells removed and reserved, cut into pieces
1 3/4 cups vegetable stock
1/2 cup clam juice (on the canned food aisle, usually by tuna)
1 1/4 cups ice water
1/4 cup peanut oil
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 onion, fine dice
1 stalk celery, fine dice
1/2 green bell pepper, fine dice
1/2 red bell pepper, fine dice
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 ounces frozen okra, thawed
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme leaves
salt
pinch cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
1/2 pound smoked (Andouille preferred) sausage

1.5-2 pounds cubed duck (I brine ours for a day or two before cooking)
1/4 cup parsley leaves, minced
2 medium scallions, thinly sliced, green and white parts
black pepper
white rice

To Make:
Bring the reserved shrimp shells and vegetable stock to a boil, over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the stock, add ice water and clam juice. Add additional vegetable stock until you have 1 quart. Discard shells, and set aside.
Heat oil in a dutch oven or heavy saucepan over medium-high heat for 1 1/2 – 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and gradually stir in the flour with a wooden spoon, making sure to work out any lumps that may form. Continue stirring constantly for about 20 minutes until the roux has a toasty aroma and is deep reddish brown. Don’t try to rush it. The roux will thin as it cooks, and if it begins to smoke, remove from heat and stir so it cools slightly.
Add onions, bell pepper, celery, garlic, thyme, salt and cayenne to the roux and cook, until the vegetables soften. Attend to them, stirring frequently. This should take 10-15 minutes. Add the stock, while stirring continuously. Increase the heat to high, and skim any foam that rises to the surface. Add the okra and bay leaf (I also add the duck here) and simmer, uncovered (keep skimming foam) for 30 minutes.
Add in sausage, and continue simmering another 30 minutes. Start the rice. Stir in the shrimp and simmer until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, add in the parsley, scallions, and season with salt, pepper and cayenne to taste.
Spoon over rice.
Now there’s time for more Christmas movies. I’m thinking on to the classics – White Christmas and maybe A Christmas Carol.

“God Bless Us, Every One!”

Updated 2020

Our Favorite Christmas Recipes are

IMG_3219.JPG
Drawing by KB

These are just a few recipes that my holiday wouldn’t be complete without. Please tell me, what are your family’s must have holiday dishes?!

B’s Christmas Sticks
I call them B’s because my cousin, B usually ate most of them when we were growing up.
Gather:
1 bag Pretzel rods
Finely grated (to powder) Parmesan cheese
Bacon (thick cut does not work well here)
To Make:
Wrap pretzel in a slice of bacon, roll in Parmesan. Place on cooling rack placed in foil lined pan and bake at 375-400 about 20 minutes or until bacon is crisp.

Sausage balls
A staple at our table. Man’s request…usually made with venison sausage.
Gather:
2 pounds bulk breakfast sausage
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (this is not the time for pre-shredded, the anti caking agents do not work in your favor)
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup butter
1 Tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
To Make:
Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl; using hands, combine well. Form into 1 inch balls ( I like to use a cookie scoop). This is a dry dough, you may have to work for the last few. Place on ungreased baking sheet; bake 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes before removing from pan.

Roasted pears & cranberries
My favorite way to enjoy this bright tart winter fruit.
Gather:
Two pears, chopped
1 bag fresh cranberries
Zest of one orange
Drizzle of honey, couple of pads of butter
To Make:
Toss ingredients together and roast together at 375 for about 20 minutes.

Mulled Glow Wine
One Germanic tradition that is OK in my book….leaves you feeling warm, toasty, and in a holiday mood.
1 peel orange peel
12 whole cloves
1 vanilla bean
1 star anise
4 cinnamon sticks
1 bottle Gluhwein
Simmer all ingredients in a heavy saucepan at least an hour.

LOVE these Fresh Cranberry Scones from Sweet Pea’s Kitchen.

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Eat, Drink & Be Merry Merry!

Eat, Drink & Be Merry – Hosting the Holiday

Be ready to throw together a spread.

Whether you choose to serve appetizers, stock multiple candy jars, hoard nuts and pretzels, or heat queso dip with chips on the fly – stock the pantry and fridge with something you can pull together for company in a flash. It’s so much less stressful than trying to tidy house while the hubs runs out to the store.

Go All Out

Longaberger Lady Bites
Years ago, we had the sweetest Longaberger Basket representative, Ann. She had open houses for new products, and always served a version of these tasty appetizers and strawberry iced tea.
Makes approximately 4 dozen bites
Gather:
1 cup mayo
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup almonds, slivered then chopped
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
French baguette, sliced
To Make:
Mix ingredients in a bowl and spoon onto baguette. Bake on a greased sheet pan at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. These bites may be assembled and frozen for up to 2 months. Bake unthawed, just add about 5 minutes to the cooking time.

Aunt C’s Marinated Cheese
My aunt has definitely made some of my favorite dishes over the years, but this one is always a showstopper.
Gather:
1/4 cup thyme infused vinegar
1/4 cup cracked pepper infused olive oil
roasted red pepper, cut into small cubes
green onions, thinly sliced
feta cheese, small cube
sharp white cheddar, small cube
fresh mozzarella, small cube
To Make:
Mix together oil and vinegar to create a vinaigrette.  Toss together cubed cheeses, top with red pepper and onions, and pour vinaigrette over the top.  Serve with sourdough bread or sliced baguette.

simple but a splurge: Head to your local specialty food store and stock up on canned nuts, jarred olives & peppers, some nice cured meats & cheeses, tomatoes, and a good crusty bread for an easy to assemble antipasto platter (yummy, beautiful, & impressive).

save $ with a little prep ahead: try these freezer to oven bites you can prep ahead –  all from ingredients you probably already have in your pantry

  • mini frittatas – so simple – brown some sausage, roast some veggies, or crisp some bacon then choose your cheese, spinach or none and place 2 T full per cup of a well greased muffin tin. Beat some eggs with a little milk or half & half, pour over your fillings and bake 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees. They freeze easily and actually microwave pretty well.
  • garlic knots – I like these but I like to add lemon zest to the compound butter. Even better, buy a nice jarred marinara to heat and serve on the side.
  • I found these little gems on Deb’sSmitten Kitchen (LOVE her stuff). With small hungry onlookers, I opted to just cut the dough in two-inch sections and make pretzel bites. So simple, and such a showstopper….”you made pretzels? Uh, yeah I did:)

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  • freeze some of your favorite cookie dough, make some cocoa mix, and be sure to have marshmallows, candy canes, and other cocoa accessories for an impromptu hot chocolate bar

need a meal: pita chips are quick to make and are easily seasoned to taste, open some hummus, set out some baby carrots and viola; set up a make your own pizza bar, baked potato bar or simmer a big pot of soup

You know you will be using it, so go ahead and stock the bar. 

It’s so not the picture of southern hospitality when all you have to offer guests is water, ice water, or hot water with lemon. Well, there’s always that questionable carton of milk.
splurge: go all out. whiskey/bourbon, tequila, vodka, rum, mixers/soda/seltzer, cocktail napkins, festive little stirrers
save: get a couple nice bottles of red & white wine; select or create a signature cocktail and keep the ingredients on hand all season long. If the weather is cool, mulled wine is always a beautiful presentation and quite yummy.

Keep it clean, or if you have kids, clean enough & not too smelly.

Pick a couple of days a week and clean the bathrooms, floors, and kitchen. Melissa at the Inspired Room has some great routine ideas for keeping your house “clean enough”.

Put on a crockpot meal and declare a laundry day. I heard that…Not. Nice. Here’s my reasoning…avoid a. running out of socks on the coldest day of the year b. having Mt. Laundry when unannounced guests show up and c. scrambling to hide Mt. Laundry when said guests ring the bell. If you have one laundry day, you wash, dry, fold, hang, and iron; you’re all set for the week. See? You know you have a Mt. Laundry too.

Have a 5 minute plan… wipe down counters & faucets, vacuum the rug, clean mirrors, spray Febreeze or whatever you think will make the biggest bang for your buck in your house when Uncle Eddy arrives a day early. The best tip I’ve found, keep the sinks clean – sounds weird, but it works & the house looks neater.

Spend an extra half and hour at the end of the day… a little cleaner in the toilets (be careful if you have tots or pets — it’s gross, but they both get in the water), wipe down bathroom & kitchen counters and don’t leave the dishes for tomorrow.

Find pockets of time during the week (waiting 5 more minutes for something in oven, a child to put on shoes, coat and potty one more time) and instead of checking your Facebook one more time dust, clean a window, change the towels in the bathroom & kitchen, wipe out the microwave – chip away at all those other little cleaning tasks.

These tips seem so do-able I think I may even be able to keep this routine up.

Try these for a house full of holiday smells in a snap!

Check out these Pintastic boards on Entertaining & Holiday Cooking

What to do with the creepy little elf?

Posted in 12 Posts of Christmas by

Thank you, Carol Aebersold, Chanda Bell, and Christa Pitts. You’re welcome for my money. For those of you who have been under a rock for the last two Christmases*, Elf on the Shelf is a new holiday tradition in which you purchase a creepy little elf doll and story for about $30 and then mom and dad get to figure out creative ways to have him spy on your family for the next month or so. Thank you Pinterest because I am NOT independently gifted in this particular event of the Parenting Olympics. Don’t get me wrong or find me a Grinch, my kids love the hunt of finding our elf each morning.

I did try to make everyone’s holiday (including mine) a bit easier by pre-planning what our little guy will be up to this season. Happy elfing… as if being Santa weren’t enough.

*I know it was “invented” in 2005, but it seemed to really reach mainstream a couple of years ago

November 28
Elf in the Mail — our elf arrives via USPS via the North Pole

November 29
Hanging on the swing (yarn and TP roll….I can handle that!) OR, if my wreaths are up, he may just use one of those

November 30
Disguised as a snowman (styrofoam cups, sharpie marker) OR, if you do powdered donuts for breakfast, he can stack them to make snowmen and hang out by the serving tray

December 1
Snow angel with marshmallows…trust me, way less mess than with flour or sugar

December 2
Solo cup pyramid

December 3
Candy cane zip line

December 4
Spidey Elf

December 5
In the Nativity

December 6
Hiding in the fridge

December 7
Camping in the Lincoln Logs

December 8
Taped to the wall by the superhero action figures

December 9
Playing Connect Four or dominoes with one of the dolls

December 10
Under a dumbbell with Mom’s workout DVD

December 11
Sack race with the dolls/pets

December 12
Playing video games

December 13
Admiring his snowman of Matchbox cars

December 14
Playing checkers with starlight mints

December 15
Hand stuck in the cookie jar

December 16
Locked in the lantern on the mantel

December 17
Writing sentences on chalkboard

December 18
Hanging by magnet on fridge

December 19
Tea party with dolls

December 20
Organizing a Little People parade or teaching the Little People a Christmas lesson

December 21
helping himself to a ride in the remote control car

December 22
In Dad’s chair with pets, blanket & popcorn ready to watch holiday movie

December 23
Posing behind a picture frame

December 24
Bye-BYE!!!! (there are 71,800 good-bye Elf letters if you Google it)

Side Note: We downplay the whole spy aspect of the elf and enjoy that the children get a kick out of searching for the elf each morning.

Need more ideas? Check out my Elf on the Shelf idea board.

The Advent Dinner Calendar

Posted in 12 Posts of Christmas, The Meals by

What better way to savor family time, holiday rushing, and last minute shopping than to save precious moments making dinner?  Inspired by several of my friends’ requests for a complete dinner plan and Raising Arrows series of posts on Preparing for a Peaceful Holiday, I have outlined quick and easy meals for every night of the holiday season.  Sit back, relax, and be merry!

Click HERE for the printable PDF that has breakfast and dinner outlined for every night.  This outline doesn’t repeat meals and works off of soups, casseroles, and traditional “supper” items. I didn’t make a shopping list because I don’t know what all you have on hand and I didn’t want you cussing me if you made it all the way home to find I forgot an ingredient.

Option Two – at the beginning of the week, stock up on a fish, pork, chicken, and some ground meat.  Grab the produce on sale for that week, and you’re set for broiled or grilled meat with a simple vegetable side dish for the week! Usually the sale or special items for the week are the items that are at the peak of season.

November 30
Pioneer Woman’s Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork – In the oven or slow cooker, this make it and leave it dish is great on slider rolls with sliced gouda or piled in tortillas with cilantro, queso fresco, sliced avocado, and a lime wedge for quick pork tacos – Plus there are usually plenty of leftovers to freeze and use again*

December 1
Dirty Rice

December 2
Super Simple Chicken Pot Pie

December 3
Tomato Parmesan Soup with Crunchy Croutons

December 4
Market Fish and Nancy Fuller’s Garlicky Green Salad

December 5
Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce and Mexican Style Street Corn

December 6
French Bread Pizzas with Greek Salad – there are a gazillion versions of these, but basically, grab a loaf of French crusty bread, add a good jarred pizza sauce and whatever toppings you like! I recommend saluting any veggies first. We bake ours for 10-15 minutes at 375, then raise the temp to 450 for another 5-10 minutes to make the cheese golden and bubbly.

December 7
Roast Chicken with Winter Root Vegetables

December 8
Beef & Vegetable Soup the Way Dad Made It

December 9
Broiled Salmon with Sautéed Greens and Roasted Acorn Squash

December 10
Pork Chops with Caramelized Onions, Apples and Thyme, Quick Roasted Asparagus

December 11
Tex-Mex Sweet Potato Skins

December 12
Chicken Broccoli Supreme Casserole

December 13
Toss Together Southwest Chicken Soup

December 14
Chicken Marsala with Garlic Whipped Potatoes & Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots

December 15
Roast Pork Loin (LOVE this one by Paula Deen too) with Gingered Carrots

December 16
Shrimp & Andouille Gumbo

December 17
Roasted Broccoli Soup

December 18
Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas with Simple Avocado & Greens Salad

December 19
Spicy Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice and Steamed Veggies

December 20
Sloppy Joes with Oven Crisped Fries

December 21
Rachael Ray’s Braciola and Sausage Sunday Gravy

December 22
A’s Potato Soup

December 23
Chicken Spaghetti

December 24 & 25
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day are not included since everyone has their own traditions

December 26
Breakfast for Dinner

December 27
Chicken Chile Relleno Casserole

December 28
Lasagna (seriously — you do not need a side)

December 29
Herbed Pork with roasted broccoli

December 30
Beef & Chicken Fajitas, Black Beans & Cilantro Lime Rice

December 31
Kid’s Nite In or Parent’s @ Home Date Night – don’t forget the bubbly! I prefer Prosecco
Beer Cheese Fondue

Make things even easier by using a rotating cycle menu for breakfast during the month of December! I will also make sure I have a big batch of granola or a couple of boxes of cereal on hand for when the inevitable happens: “We OVERSLEPT!”

Week 1:

Monday – eggs to order & toast

Tuesday – oatmeal – dress it up differently with a variety of dried fruit and spices or make it a make your own bar by setting the condiments out and letting the kids build their own bowl. There are tons of recipes online for overnight oats and crock pot oats for even more hands-off time.

Wednesday – mini frittata cups

Thursday – yogurt parfaits – just make sure you have a protein component so you don’t run out of fuel before lunch!

Friday – breakfast burritos – scrambled eggs, salsa, beans/leftover meat, avocado, veggies – options are endless

Saturday – pancakes or waffles – take a basic recipe – I like this one, and add seasonal flavorings all month long – you can even mix dry ingredients the night before. In a rush?  Make a big batch on a slow day and freeze them to warm up later.  Feeling really indulgent?  Try the Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon roll recipe.  You’ll have enough for you and your neighbors!

Sunday – breakfast casserole or omelets to order. Older kids?  Try Omelets for a Crowd – originally a Paula Deen recipe, this method lets everyone customize and cook their own omelet, no cooking knowledge required!  From experience of making hundreds of these – use name brand quart freezer bags, tongs, and have a pot watcher (to make sure the bag isn’t touching the sides).  Save yourself the pain.

Week 2:

Monday – I these little muffins from love Serious Eats! So easy, and the kids always gobble them up! Or for a holiday treat, try Balancing Health and Happiness’ Almond Butter Gingerbread Muffins (hello gluten & sugar free!)

Tuesday – English Muffin or Biscuit ( great biscuits here) breakfast sandwiches

Wednesday – oatmeal or yogurt parfait

Thursday – Eggs! Sometimes I get lazy and make a regular frittata, call it breakfast pizza, and I’m done!

Friday – leftover muffins from earlier in the week or a repeat of breakfast sandwiches

Saturday – Scones – my family loves scones J We make chocolate chip, cinnamon sugar, dried cherry…my favorite are Christmas Sconces, but Two Peas & Their Pod have a lovely Fresh Cranberry Scone recipe as well!

Sunday – same plan as last week…little kids, church service to make it to….if it ain’t broke…

Then you repeat. Not sure about some of my choices?  Check out my Breakfast Board for more ideas!

LOVE this Advent Joke calendar!

Related:
Cute Ideas to Get Your Brood in the Holiday Mood
2013 Gift Guide
The Merry Christmas Post

***if a recipe is not linked, it will appear in this month’s posts, so bookmark this page!

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