Christmas Eve Meal Ideas

Christmas Eve is such a magical night.  Sitting in church listening to the story of the birth of Baby Jesus and singing songs of the season can give me goose bumps.  Watching my kids, full of excitement, trying to stay up late enough to catch Santa but wanting to fall asleep before he arrives so he doesn’t skip our house.  Driving through the neighborhood to visit with neighbors and friends while checking out the displays of Christmas lights.  There’s so much to fit in on that special night that dinner can sometimes be hard to plan and prep for.  Here are some ideas to help make it a bit easier.  And you can always follow my Christmas Ideas board on Pinterest as well as my Recipes to Try, Recipes to Try: Sides and Salads, Recipes to Try: Finger Foods, and Recipes to Try: Main Dishes. 

Snacks and Dips

Instead of having a complete meal on Christmas Eve, consider putting out several different snack foods that are filling and easy for you to prepare.  Finger foods like pigs in a blanket or mini sandwiches (use rolls to keep them small) are great and can be prepped ahead of time.  Hot dips like a pizza or enchilada dip are always favorites when I host get togethers.  You can also make cold dips like a hummus or guacamole (try this recipe from Michelle at Honest and Truly) for your family.  Kalisha from Kalisha Blair has a great recipe for cranberry lime salsa.  Little hot dogs are always an appetizer hit.  You’ve got to try these barbecue bourbon little smokies from Michelle at Honest and Truly.  If you’re looking for a way to spice up your deviled eggs, you’ve got to try this bacon deviled eggs recipe from Michelle too.  And these tomato bacon cups from Michelle will be gone in no time.  Are you having cheese fans over?  Try this baked brie recipe from Elaina at The Rising Spoon. 

Make Ahead Meals

Take some time to plan and prep for your meal in advance.  Meals like lasagna, meatloaf, baked pasta, or chicken pot pie are all delicious options that you can make in advance and bake when needed.  They’ll stay for a few days in your refrigerator or you can freeze them if you’re making them farther in advance.  

Slow Cooker Meals

Before heading off to church, throw your meal into your slow cooker and it’ll be ready by the time you get home to enjoy.  Ham, chili, chicken and dumplings, or beef stew are all great choices that don’t require a lot of prep and will all be delicious.  

Main and Side Dishes

Ham or seafood are typically holiday meals.  In case you’re looking for a new take on old favorites or want to try something new altogether, here are some ideas.  Jenny from Penny Pincher Jenny has a recipe for prime rib.  How about adding these artichokes with lemon butter from Elaina at The Rising Spoon to your holiday menu?

Desserts

Make sure to set aside a few goodies for Santa, but you’ll want to try a few first to make sure they taste just right.  Michelle at Honest and Truly has a delicious cinnamon roll bread pudding that you can use for dessert and enjoy the leftovers for breakfast the next morning.  Patty from My No Guilt Life has a cherry danish that could also serve as dessert and breakfast that you should try.  Stacy from Fancy Shanty has a great raspberry crumb bar recipe that would work well with your meal.