As Determined by TWM: Non-Traditional Christmas Dinners
Do you hear that?

It’s the holidays, and they’re coming FAST. I’ve already been Mariah-ed and Whammed, and it’s not event November 15.
One of the members of the Tanglewood Moms Facebook group asked for ideas for non-traditional Christmas dinners because she was tired of spending all day in the kitchen instead of with her family. Amen, sister!

Of course, Tanglewood Moms rallied around and came up with some great ideas, which we’ve gathered here. Quite honestly, if my family wouldn’t divorce me, I’d do any of these. So, get out of the kitchen and ENJOY your holidays!
- Tamales and sides
- Brisket (even better if you can get the man to do the work!)
- Enchiladas – made ahead
- Lasagna or other make-ahead pasta like baked ziti
- Baked potato, nacho, taco, or pasta bar
- Steaks
- Gumbo
- Sandwich board
- “Party” appetizers
- Pizza – points for make-your-own pizza bar
- Steak and ale pie
- Breakfast for dinner
- Chicken spaghetti
- Chicken and dumplings
- Waffle bar/pancake bar
- Soup
- Big roast and salad
- Pulled pork in the crockpot
- Seafood boil
- Soup and salad bar
- Go out for hibachi (several people suggested this!)
- Chicken pot pies
- Grazing table
- Chili
- Chicken and waffles
- Fondue
- Smoked salmon, bagels, and all the fixin’s with champagne in front of the fire once the baby was asleep (Editor’s note: This is what my then-husband and I did one year when our Christmas Eve flight was canceled. It was one of the best holidays I’ve ever spent!)

And of course, there is nothing to say that you can’t do any of these for Thanksgiving or any other big holiday gathering! Whatever you do, just make sure to remember that being together with friends and family is far more important that making the perfect meal!


