December is my absolute favorite month of the year. Not just because we are at the tail-end of the fall season (my favorite), but also because Christmas is my most favorite holiday and time of the year. And no matter what I do, it seems that our meal plan always gets derailed around the holidays. However, the monthly meal plans do help me stay on track – at least somewhat.
The monthly meal plans are a great way for me to get ideas and even move things around as needed to fit the sales or promotions going on that week and month. It is also a fun way to find new and delicious menu items rather than sticking to the same four recipes.
Another reason I love using meal plans is so that I can plan ahead for large or important meals, such as Christmas. I am not a very inventive cook, so having some meals to choose from when we are gathering with family and/or friends is super helpful.
Use these Recipes to prepare for your Christmas Holiday
Does the thought of cooking for (or on) Christmas Day stress you out? I know it does me! I love watching my kids open their presents and playing with their newest toy or game. The last thing I want to do is worry about what to cook or when to put the ham in the oven so it will be ready on time. If your family and friends enjoy a good dessert, be sure to check out these 67 Decadent Trifle Recipes that would make the perfect dessert for your holiday table. Another fun dessert option is to make your own Gluten Free Christmas Cookies.
But if you’re like me, you want simple and easy. That’s why I know you’ll love these Crescent Roll Recipes {Breakfast, Appetizers, Snacks, Meals & Dessert} and these International Soup Recipes to help keep you warm on those cold winter nights!
Mix and Match from Two Meal Plans
The regular meal plan includes slow cooker meals on Sundays and Wednesdays, for a break in the kitchen or to use on those busy days. There are a variety of meats and seafood with some seasonal salads to break it up just a bit. With the weather cooling down this month, I have added soups on both meal plans too!
Or choose the Instant Pot Meal Plan. On this plan, I have included some delicious seasonal meals with a variety of meats (fish, chicken, pork, beef), plus a few salads. And the suggestions for breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and desserts at the bottom are all Instant Pot recipes too!
There is a variety of meats (fish, chicken, beef, pork) as well as salads (on both plans) to keep the whole family happy. My hope each month is that you will find some new favorites to add to your own must-have rotation.
As always, feel free to move any of the recipes around as needed to fit your family’s schedule. You can also combine the two for more variety. And if you’d like to switch up some of the Slow Cooker Meals to an Instant Pot recipe, check out this Instant Pot beginners post for a great link to help!
You can download each meal plan by clicking on the corresponding images below.
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Annette has been married to her husband and best friend since 2003. Together they are raising their six children to follow the Lord’s will, no matter what. Annette longs for the day when she will meet her angel babies who have entered heaven before her. She enjoys creating UNIT STUDIES and FREE PRINTABLES for homeschool families. You can follow her crazy life at In All You Do where she blogs about homeschooling, homemaking and marriage while trying to maintain her sanity. She is also the owner of Thrifty Homeschoolers where she shares her tips on homeschooling without breaking the bank.
