Meal planning is a hassle. Trying to come up with dinner every night, never mind finding the energy and motivation to cook the meal can be a challenge. But what happens when you triple the guest list, up the expectations and raise the potential disaster level?
Yes - I am cooking Christmas dinner.
My parents and my sister's family will be joining us for this all important meal. There are some restrictions - a few allergies, low salt, no seeds - but nothing too daunting. The more important issue is coming up with an appropriately festive menu.
Tradition in our family means lasagna and filet mignon. Both things center on beef so I don't want to spend hours preparing a meal that I can't even eat. Not having pasta on Christmas would be like not having a tree (which would be fine with me - the tree is some much work and totally over-rated) but I can easily replace the meat lasagna with manicotti or ravioli and no one will complain. Replacing the filet mignon would be a harder sell. I could not serve a completely meatless meal. That would not be fair to my guests. It is my choice not to eat meat, not theirs. I think I would be comfortable cooking the beef and serving it, though if it bothers me at the last minute I know Matt will pick up the slack. I just need to come with side dishes that I can eat as a main course and not feel cheated and that still accompany the rest of the foods we have. No one meal should require this much brain power!
On the other hand, I am so grateful to have this problem. I have a wonderful family that enjoys spending time together, a house to hold all these people, and the luxury of choosing the food I want to eat. Nothing like the stress of a big family dinner to remind you of all the good things.
I guess if all else fails, I will have Christmas cookies. Cookies and milk make everything better.
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